Mrs. Betty Ruth Greenley, 92, of Atlantic, passed away Tuesday, April 21, 2026, at her residence.
Born on May 28, 1933, in Atlantic, Betty was the daughter of Levin W. and Mary C. Fisher. Betty was happiest when she was outside, breathing in God’s clean air with the sun beating down on her shoulders. In her younger years, she and her dear friend, Patsy Thomas, saved up their money and got horses. They loved to ride through the peaceful countryside and fields of the Eastern Shore.
Shortly after graduating high school, Betty’s life took a beautiful turn. She met the love of her life, Ronnie J. Greenley, who was stationed nearby while serving in the U.S. Navy. Their connection was immediate, and before long, they began a life together that would span decades until his passing in 2019.
The couple traveled across the country during Ronnie’s service before eventually settling in Atlantic, where they raised their two sons, Kevin and Mark, and built a life rooted in love, faith, and devotion to family.
Betty was a proud homemaker and made sure her boys were fed, clothed, and happy. She built a home based on love, respect, and strong Christian faith. Once the boys were old enough, she started work at the local post office, where she later retired as postmaster.
In retirement, Betty embraced every opportunity to spend time with her grandchildren and great-grandchildren. She was especially fond of playing Wii Bowling and proved to be a formidable and enthusiastic competitor — so much so that she purchased her own system and had no intention of letting the younger generation win easily. She approached life with determination and a playful spirit, and any excuse to spend time with the little ones was one she would never pass up.
Betty was the treasured matriarch of the family and her absence will be felt for years to come.
Betty is survived by her sons, Kevin J. Greenley (Sandra S. Greenley) and Mark A. Greenley (Nadine B. Greenley), all of Atlantic; her grandchildren, Jessica Waterfield (David Waterfield), Tyler Greenley (Brooke Greenley), and Troy Greenley; her great-grandchildren, Emery Waterfield, Olivia Greenley, and Levin Greenley; her nieces, Susan Parks, Angie Mears, and Donna Darby; her sister-in-law, Gay Fisher; and many extended family and friends.
In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her dear husband, Ronnie J. Greenley; her brothers, Glenn Fisher and Woody Fisher; her sister-in-law, Betty Fisher; and several nieces and nephews.
Funeral services will be held at Atlantic Baptist Church on Friday, April 24, at 2 p.m., with Pastor John Higginbotham and the Rev. Maury Enright officiating. Interment will follow at the John W. Taylor Memorial Cemetery. There will be a visitation at the church one hour prior to the service.
In lieu of flowers, contributions in Betty’s memory may be made to Atlantic Baptist Church, P.O. Box 397, Atlantic, VA 23303, or the Atlantic Volunteer Fire and Rescue Co., P.O. Box 207, Atlantic, VA 23303.
Memory tributes may be shared at www.williamsfuneralhomes.com
Arrangements are by the Williams-Parksley Funeral Home.
