LELAND — Betty Lee Gallagher, of Leland, NC, a beloved mother, grandmother, great grandmother, sister, and friend, went to be with her Lord and Savior on March 31, 2025, in Wilmington, North Carolina, at the age of 88 surrounded by her family. Born February 13, 1937, in Gary, Indiana, Betty lived a life rich with love, service, and unwavering faith.
Betty developed a love for dance and ballet early in life attending the Montgomery School of Dancing in Michigan City, Indiana under the instruction of Laurent Novikoff. She was a 1956 graduate of Elston High School in Michigan City, Indiana.
In her working career she pursued training as a model, manicurist, and make-up artist. Throughout her diverse career, she worked in a variety of roles ranging from a Dog Groomer, Dental Assistant, and a Nurse’s Aide. She ended her career working in Assisted Living homes as an Activities Director. She always put the needs of others before her own.
Her faith in God was the cornerstone of her life. Betty cherished her time in church and found joy in singing in the choirs of the churches she attended, lifting her voice to the old hymns she loved dearly. Recently finding her home near family in North Carolina, she became a member of First Baptist Church of Leland.
Betty’s passions extended beyond her professional and religious life. She cultivated a large doll collection and took great pride in displaying her family photographs throughout her home, sharing her cherished memories and treasures with all who visited.
Betty was preceded in death by her parents, Richard Graham Bitts and Hallie Oswalt Bitts, brother Donald Richard Bitts, and sister MaryAnn Bitts Fuhrman. Betty is survived by her brother, Jerry Allen Bitts, her two sons: Stephen Gallagher and wife Marie of Bayville, NJ and William Gallagher and wife Debra of Leland, NC, four grandchildren: Stephen, Kari, April, and William, three great-grandchildren: Grace, Adison, and Brady, and several nieces and nephews.
