Betty A. Sandlin

Betty was a member of Swain County High School’s Class of 1963. After graduating from Western Carolina University, she returned to Swain County and dedicated 30 plus years teaching at Whittier Elementary School and Swain East Elementary School. She also served on the Percy B. Ferebee Endowment Scholarship Committee for several years.

Someone wrote, “A friend will joyfully sing with you when you are on the mountain top and silently walk with you through the valley.” This was Betty. As a teacher, whether she was disciplining a student or finding shoes for them to wear, they knew she was on their side, loving them, cheering them on. As a family member (often called Aunt B) or as a friend (and there are so many), she was vital as a confident, as a source of encouragement, and as a fountain of love. As a devoted Christian, Betty poured her heart and energy into the Bryson City United Methodist Church – whether cleaning the kitchen, singing in the choir, or creating a church-history scrapbook – making an immeasurable impact.