Mrs. Betty Bloxom West, of Wallops Island, walked humbly into the arms of her Lord and Savior on Wednesday, June 19, 2024, at the age of 87. Born Dec. 23, 1936, on her family’s bayside farm in Accomack County, she was the daughter of the late Charles Clement Bloxom and Ruth Magdalene Nock Bloxom. Though she was an only child, Betty shared a special bond with her neighboring cousins, whom she considered siblings, creating countless precious memories together.
Following graduation from Atlantic High School in 1955, Betty continued her education at the Medical College of Virginia School of Nursing, where she attained her bachelor’s degree. Having been fortunate enough to have found the love of her life in high school, Betty Bloxom became Mrs. William W. West on July 20, 1958. Together she and Bill returned to the ESVA and began their 66-year love story.
A faithful and active member of Atlantic Baptist Church since 1960, Betty’s involvement within her church community began in her teenage years and continued through her devotion to the Woman’s Missionary Union and the church choir, and she always looked forward to leading vacation Bible school in the summers.
Her faith was a cornerstone of her life, and she extended her commitment to The Community Church of Vero Beach, Fla., while wintering there with Bill over the past two decades. Their time in Vero Beach was especially precious, as it was then they spent quality time with their granddaughters. Betty and Bill’s bond was an inspiration to all who knew them. Together they traveled extensively, often accompanied by dear friends, Bill and Priscilla West, and original neighbors and friends from Wallops, Ed and Karen Olander. These journeys were filled with endless laughter and cherished memories.
Professionally, Betty made a significant impact on the community as a registered nurse in family planning for the Accomack County Health Department, a position she held for over 20 years. Over those years, she and lifelong friend, Pat Bloxom, became especially close with co-workers, Elaine Brehm and Dale Parks. They called themselves the “Silver Foxes.” This group, which often included honorary members Priscilla West and Peggy Williams, in various iterations, socialized and traveled together. They, along with their husbands, celebrated life’s milestones and joys, and especially looked forward to their annual New Year’s Eve gatherings at the home of Pat and Bob Bloxom.
From August 1972 to June 1992, Betty served as a member of the Accomack County School Board, where she worked alongside her treasured friend, Dr. Donald Fletcher. Their commutes to meetings in Accomac were filled with lively discussions about various topics and issues, reflecting Betty’s deep commitment to education and community service. She was known for her kindness, regularly providing rides to the grocery store or church for elderly friends. As a young mother, those trips provided an invaluable lesson to her children about the importance of treating others as you wish to be treated.
Betty’s legacy of care extended to her personal life, where she lovingly nursed her mother, mother-in-law, and father during their final days. Her compassion and dedication were testaments to her character and the profound love she had for her family.
She is survived by her loving husband, William Witmer “Bill” West; her children, Steve Rodney West and his wife, Libby, of Horntown, and Linda West Shipley, of Vero Beach; her granddaughters, Nancy Shipley Beaumont (Ian), Anna Magdalene Shipley (Nick), and Lillie Shipley Spiro (C.J.); her cousin, Richard Marshall, and his daughters, Susan Marshall and Sandi Robison; and last but certainly not least, her beloved Atlantic Baptist Church family. She loved every single one of you. In addition to her parents, she was predeceased by her dear cousin, Jo Ann Byrd Bloxom, and her husband, Daniel.
Funeral services were held at the Atlantic Baptist Church on Saturday, June 22, at 2 p.m., with the Rev. Maury Enright officiating. Interment followed at the John W. Taylor Memorial Cemetery. There was a visitation at the church one hour prior to the service.
Contributions in Betty’s memory may be made to Atlantic Baptist Church, P.O. Box 397, Atlantic, VA 23303.
Memory tributes may be shared with the family at
www.williamsfuneralhomes.com
Arrangements are by the Williams-Parksley Funeral Home.
