Betty Pearson Wilkins

Betty Jane Minnick Pearson Wilkins, 96, of Lynchburg, passed away peacefully, Thursday, July 10, 2025, at Westminster-Canterbury in Lynchburg. Twice married, she was preceded in death by her first husband, Earle Dempsey Pearson and her second husband, Bailey Goodman Wilkins. 

Born January 3, 1929, in Lynchburg, she was the daughter of the late William Edward Minnick and Helen Hough Minnick. She was also preceded in death by a sister, Carolyn Minnick LaRoque and a granddaughter, Berkeley N. Pearson. 

She retired from APCO where she held the position of home economist for many years. She was a member of Amherst Presbyterian Church. Betty loved to travel internationally, play bridge, go to the beach and really loved being with her friends. 

She is survived by two sons, William Earle Pearson and his wife, Marie, of Forest, and Bruce Edward Pearson and his wife, Joni, of Lynchburg; three grandchildren, Lauren P. Hutchings (David), Charles E. Pearson and Natalie S. Pearson and her fiancé Tanner Ridgeway; three great grandchildren, Courtland P. Hutchings, Dempsey P. Hutchings and Berkeley G. Hutchings. 

A private interment will be held in Spring Hill Cemetery. 

A memorial service will be held at 2:00 p.m. on Tuesday, July 15, 2025, in the chapel of Westminster-Canterbury, 501 V.E.S. Rd., Lynchburg, VA 24503 with Rev. William Deal officiating. 

Memorial contributions may be to a charity of your choice. 

Online condolences may be made at www.diuguidfuneralservice.com. 

Diuguid Waterlick Chapel, 434-237-2722, is serving the family.