WILMINGTON — Losing a loved one often leaves behind unanswered questions. For us, one of those is how Birkenstock will stay in business without Betty.
Betty Spargo Safrit of Wilmington, North Carolina, passed away on June 1, 2025, as she journeyed to her eternal home. Born on August 24, 1931, in Gastonia, North Carolina, to Pinkie Asbury and Lloyd Spargo, Betty was raised to be outspoken, to love without bias and to always prioritize family.
Following her graduation from Gastonia High School and two years of study at Converse College—now Converse University—she began building a family of her own. In 1953, she married Don Safrit and went on to raise two children, Mike and Kelly Safrit, in Raleigh. Thirty years later, Don and Betty moved to Sunset Beach, where they co-owned and operated Sunset Beach Grocery—just as her beloved Bud Light was making its debut on store shelves.
A devoted homemaker, Betty spent countless hours cooking and caring for her children—running away only once, and even then, returning just moments later. She eventually found her well-earned peace in Kure Beach, becoming an active member of Carolina Beach Presbyterian Church and a volunteer for Meals on Wheels NC. That peace was short-lived, as she was promoted to grandmother—embracing her new title of GB (Grandma Betty). Camp Betty—a haven for misbehaving grandchildren—opened its doors in 1995 with the birth of her granddaughter, Madeline. Two years later, the camp doubled in size with the arrival of her grandson, Michael.
Never one to hold back her opinion, GB was a connoisseur of grilled, burnt hot dogs and an expert at identifying the worst coleslaw in North Carolina. More than anything—and arguably more than anyone—she loved animals, especially her granddogs and great-granddogs. Her days were filled with endless chocolate samples, gardening and fighting with her archnemesis—her flip phone. And her 93 years were filled with an unconditional love of family, devotion to her faith, selflessness and her signature sense of sass.
Betty is survived by her son, Mike Safrit, and his wife, Valerie Safrit, as well as her daughter, Kelly Safrit, and grandchildren, Madeline and Michael Safrit.
Please join us in celebrating her life on Saturday, July 12, at 12 p.m. at St. Jude’s Metropolitan Community Church, located at 19 N 26th Street in Wilmington, North Carolina.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the New Hanover Humane Society.
