Betty Sue Baynard

Betty Sue Adams Baynard, a devoted daughter, mother, grandmother, aunt, and friend, passed away peacefully surrounded by her loving family on August 10, 2025. Born on January 10, 1936, in Clover, South Carolina, she was the cherished daughter of the late Edward Roy and Lillian Barber Adams.

On August 19, 1957, she married the love of her life, Bobby Gene Baynard. As the wife of a Navy man, she traveled the country, calling several states home while raising their three daughters. In each new place, she built community - not just as a homemaker, but as a neighbor, a bowler on local leagues, a loyal friend around the card table, and the heart of every gathering.

She believed laughter was the best medicine. Famous among her family for calling people by the wrong names - a quirk that always brought smiles - everyone knew she loved them deeply and knew exactly who she meant. She loved playing cards, especially a family version of rummy, and spent countless joyful hours on the phone with friends and family, keeping close no matter the distance.

Betty Sue's love of gospel music led to many cherished adventures with her sister. In her later years, she returned to the home where she was born in Clover, SC, and continued the traditions she held dear - hosting large family meals for every holiday, where laughter rang through the rooms and her famous lemon meringue, sweet potato and pecan pies were always part of the celebration. Those gatherings, filled with warmth, food, and connection, were a true reflection of the home she built and the love she shared.

She was preceded in death by her beloved husband, her parents, and her siblings: Edward Adams, John Law Adams, Robert Adams, Jack Adams, Mary Ruth Adams, Jean Dixon, and Mollie Baynard; great grandson, Jordan Patterson.

She leaves behind a legacy of love in her three daughters: Lynn Benjamin (Thomas), Gwen Griffie, and Kimberly Smith (Chris); eight grandchildren: Arthur Benjamin (Emily), Jessica Vogt (Adam), Dustan Green, Amanda Patterson (Javon), Gary Gross (Mila), Nathan Gross, and Jacob Gross (Emilyah), Christie Whisenant; eight great-grandchildren: Nora, Violet, Daniel, Kaleb, Ethan, Jaden (Tiana), Kara, Joshua; one great-great-grandson, Julian; and extra daughter, Michele Lennon. She also leaves behind a large extended family of nieces, nephews, and cousins, all of whom she loved dearly and who will miss her fiercely.

A visitation will be held at the South Chapel of Greene Funeral Service, 1503 S York Rd, Gastonia, NC, 28052, on Sunday, August 17, 2025, starting at 2:00 PM. A memorial service will follow at 3:00 PM, at the funeral home. She will then be buried at Lakeview Memory Gardens, to be reunited with her husband.

Betty Sue's life was defined by laughter, service, and unwavering love. Her spirit will live on in the stories, traditions, and hearts of those she leaves behind.

Condolences may be shared online at: www.greenefuneral.com.