CONOVER, N.C. - Betsy Ross Bunker Hemmings of Conover passed away on September 3, 2024 at 80 years of age.

Betsy was born in Mount Airy and was one of three children to her parents Robert and Nellie Bunker. She and her twin brothers, Wayne Eng Bunker and Wade Chang Bunker, grew up on a tobacco farm in this picturesque community. It was here that she met her childhood sweetheart, John Hemmings, whom she would later wed in this same community. John and Betsy went on their first date in John’s 1940 Ford, and it will carry her to her final resting place. Over the years he had it beautifully restored using original parts to maintain its historical significance.

Betsy and John lived in New Jersey and Taylorsville before settling in Conover. Betsy was educated as a cosmetologist and worked for a short time in that profession. However, her greatest role, and her life’s work and passion, was as wife, mother, and grandmother. It was in these roles that she excelled. Her input was instrumental to the design of the Rock Barn Country Club and Spa, where she worked many hours collaborating with John. She and John had two children: Annette and John II. She supported John throughout his career, maintaining a beautiful and loving home. One of their favorite pastimes was to take the 40 Ford on scenic drives, especially through the Blue Ridge Mountains while spending time at their mountain home. Betsy was active in her community and formed many lifelong friendships. Those who knew Betsy were aware of her kind spirit and contagious energy. Her strong faith and Christianity were the guiding forces throughout her life.

In addition to her husband John, of 62 years, Betsy is survived by her brother Wayne Eng Bunker; her children, and their spouses: Annette (Hemmings) and Kent Walker of Conover, John and Carrie Hemmings of Montgomery, Ala; grandchildren John Lewis and Betsy Walker, John III, Mason and Lauren (Hemmings) Wakefield, Caroline Hemmings; and great-granddaughter Evangeline Wakefield.

The family would like to extend a special thank-you to Betsy’s caregivers and Carolina Caring staff.

A service to celebrate Betsy’s life was held on Friday, September 6, 2024 at 2 p.m. at First Methodist in Conover. Rev. John Woods and Chaplain Kim Dowell  officiated. Entombment followed at St. John’s Lutheran Church in Conover. The family received friends prior to the service from 12 p.m. to 1:45 p.m. at First Methodist.  

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that memorials be made to the Center of Grief and Healing at Carolina Caring, 3975 Robinson Road, Newton, NC 28658.

Condolences may be sent to the Hemmings family at www.bennettfuneralservice.com

Bennett Funeral Service of Newton, N.C. is serving the Hemmings family.