PFAFFTOWN - Elizabeth "Betty" Wackerhagen, 86, of Pfafftown, a loving mother, grandmother, sister and friend passed away on Monday, March 14, 2011 at Forsyth Medical Center. She was born on March 1, 1925 in Laurens, SC to the late George Sims Wham and Nellie Mellette Wham. She married Fred H. Wackerhagen on February 10, 1946 in Mountville, SC. Betty attended Winthrop College in Rock Hill, SC and received a BA in Education from Wake Forest University in 1965. She valued her years as a high school teacher in the Winston-Salem/Forsyth County School System before retiring in 1988. Betty was an active member of several local Garden Clubs and dearly loved her friends made throughout the years. As a long-time member of Oldtown Presbyterian Church, Betty faithfully served as Church Treasurer, as well as a member of the Session, Choir, and Women's Circle. In recent years, she joined Brookstown United Methodist Church, where she enjoyed attending services and becoming a part of the church family. Betty's greatest joys in her life were her children, grandchildren, cooking and gardening. She was preceded in death by her husband, Fred H. Wackerhagen, and two brothers: Mellette Wham and Norman Wham. She leaves behind to cherish her memory her beloved children: Mary and husband Larry Dimmick of Greensboro, NC; George and wife Gwyn Wackerhagen of Sammamish, WA; Jerry and wife Pam Wackerhagen of Fort Worth, TX; and Ann and husband B.W. Collier of Nashville, NC; nine treasured grandchildren: Brian Dimmick, Stephen Dimmick, Adam Dimmick, Josh Wackerhagen, Jim Wackerhagen, Andrew Wackerhagen, Maggie Wackerhagen, MIDN 4/C Laura Collier, and Sam Collier; four beloved brothers and sisters: George Sims Wham, Jr., Eleanor James, Mary James, and Robert D. Wham; and many cherished nieces and nephews. A service to celebrate her life will be held on Friday, March 18, 2011 at 2:00 p.m. at Brookstown United Methodist Church, with the Reverend James T. Webb officiating. The family will receive friends at the church beginning at 1:00 p.m. A graveside service will follow the celebration service at Forsyth Memorial Park. Hayworth-Miller Funeral Home is assisting the family with arrangements. Memorial contributions may be made to Brookstown United Methodist Church at 6274 Yadkinville Road, Pfafftown, NC 27040.

Published in Winston-Salem Journal from March 16 to March 17, 2011