HICKORY - Betty was born Dec. 5, 1932, in Hickory, to the late Clyde Robert Barger and Irene Hayes Barger. She attended public schools in Hickory and graduated from Claremont Central High School in 1950. Betty went on to receive her associate degree from Clevenger's Business College. In 1957, Betty was awarded the Ideal Business Girl of Alpha Iota at the International Convention of the Alpha Iota Business Sorority in Des Moines, Iowa. This award marked the beginning of what was to become a lifetime of recognition for her hard work, determination, and compassion for her work in business. She lived and worked in hotel management in Hickory, Morganton and Burlington. She also worked for Duke Power and General Electric in Hickory. In 1974, she moved to Charlotte and worked with the Harris-Teeter Food Stores. It was here at Harris-Teeter that Betty's career blossomed. She began working as an administrative assistant to then president, Hugh Ashcraft. In 1980, Betty's exceptional talents were recognized, and she was promoted to head Harris-Teeter's consumer affairs and community relations. Betty travelled the U.S. speaking and organizing programs for local charities every stop of the way. In 1986, she attended her first Rose Garden Ceremony in Washington, D.C. She received the "Excellence in Private Sector Initiatives" award on Harris-Teeter's behalf in 1986, 1987, and 1988. While working with Harris-Teeter, Betty assisted the farmers of Lincoln County; the City of Charleston; the Children's Miracle Network; the Salvation Army; Habitat for Humanity; Charlotte's Loaves and Fishes food pantries; and Ronald McDonald Houses. She became a familiar face on Charlotte TV stations promoting events for Harris-Teeter, as well as sharing her special cooking tips. In 2004, the Assistance League of Charlotte recognized Betty as the Woman of the Year, presenting her with the Crystal Apple award. Her 22 years with Harris-Teeter ended with her retirement in 1996, which saw Betty return to her hometown of Hickory. However, she was not forgotten by Harris-Teeter. On Oct. 28 of 2013, Betty was invited back to the Fall Sales Meeting honoring Harris-Teeter's 50th anniversary. She was presented with a crystal plaque recognizing her as the first recipient of the Betty J. Lafone Excellence in Customer Satisfaction award, named in her honor. No matter what accolades she received, Betty never accepted an award without recognizing the teams that worked alongside her. Betty loved people, and expressed her gratitude in having a career where she was able to give back to her community. Later, Betty would be presented with the Harris-Teeter Employee of the Century Award. Betty's community involvement also extended to her home church, Bethlehem Lutheran Church of Hickory. Betty used her work experience to help with fundraising programs, and to organize projects and events that supported local charities. She enjoyed studying and teaching her women's Sunday school class, until her health required she pass the position on. With all her business and philanthropic accomplishments, Betty loved her family. She always preferred to give rather than receive. With that in mind, Betty would say, "Thank you to family who raised me, for making me what I was. Thanks to my Harris-Teeter family for giving me opportunities, rewarding challenges, and loyal camaraderie. Thanks to my family and friends who gave me undying love and friendship. Thanks to my dear children and grandchildren for giving me happiness, fullness, and absolute love. And thank you dear God for giving me all." Betty would want us to accept her thanks rather than give her anything. Betty is survived by a family of four children: David Terry and wife, Pam, Mark Terry and wife, Heidi, Mike Terry and Gwen Duncan, Jackie Canterbury and husband, Pat; and eight grandchildren: Hanna Terry, Ryan Terry, Katelyn Terry, Adam Terry, Kristin Terry, Kathryn Terry, Blake Canterbury and wife, Kelly, and Jordan Canterbury. Betty loved having the whole family over at her house on Sunday afternoons for fellowship, hide-and-seek, and her famous chicken pies. Betty's gift in raising her family was to provide unconditional love. Betty is also survived by her sister, Silvia Lail and husband, Donald; sister-in-law, Peggy Barger; Jim Lafone; one niece, and three nephews. In addition to her parents, Betty is preceded in death by her brother, Harry R. Barger. The funeral service will be held at 1 p.m. Friday, Aug. 14, at Bethlehem Lutheran Church and the family will receive friends immediately following the service in the fellowship hall. A private family graveside service will be held after the service and receiving. In lieu of flowers, Betty has requested that donations be made to Catawba Regional Hospice, 3975 Robinson Road, Newton, NC 28658. Bass-Smith Funeral Home in Hickory is serving the family and online condolences may be sent to www.bass-smithfuneralhome.com.