Betty Holt Harwood

Betty Holt Harwood, 85, of Wilmington, NC, passed away peacefully on Monday, September 22, 2025, at Spring Arbor of Wilmington.

Born on June 6, 1940, to the late Adele and Banks Holt, Betty grew up with a love of family, faith, and life’s simple joys. She graduated from the University of North Carolina at Greensboro, which was known as Woman’s College of the University of North Carolina at the time of her graduation. Betty went on to dedicate her career to education as an elementary school teacher, where she nurtured countless children with patience, encouragement, and care.

At just 14 years old, Betty invited Graham Harwood to a Sadie Hawkins dance — the beginning of a lifelong love story that shaped her family and her future. She was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Graham, with whom she shared 49 years of marriage and devotion, as well as by her sister, Barbara Sells.

Betty was known for her warm demeanor and her ability to make others feel at home. She had a gift for bringing people together, especially around her Thanksgiving table, where her meals were as plentiful as the laughter that filled the room. She loved tennis, long walks, and volunteering at her church, where her quiet acts of service touched many lives. She also found joy in traveling and in time spent at the beach and in the mountains, where she could relax, recharge, and share special moments with those she loved.

Above all, Betty’s greatest devotion was to her family. She is survived by her daughter, Julie Scull (Rob) of Wilmington, NC; her sons, Rodney Harwood (Dee) of Ponte Vedra Beach, FL, and David Harwood (Gina) of Blowing Rock, NC; her granddaughters, Rell Harwood, Wesley Harwood, and Haley Banks Allen (David Ray); and her grandsons, Dane Scull, Drake Scull, and Nate Harwood. Each of them carries with them her encouragement, her humor, and her example of a life lived with grace and generosity.

A Celebration of Life will be held on Thursday, September 25, at 11:00 a.m. at Central United Methodist Church in Albemarle, NC, officiated by Dr. Reverend David Blankenbreg. A reception will follow in the church fellowship hall, with a private graveside service at Fairview Memorial Park.

Memorials may be made to Lower Cape Fear LifeCare, which supported Betty and her family in meaningful ways.

Hartsell Funeral Home of Albemarle is serving the Harwood family.