Betty Jean Gauss

Betty Jean Gwatney Gauss, 89, of Beaufort, formerly of Wilson, died Saturday, October 26, 2024.

Services, officiated by the Reverend John Pollock, will be held Thursday, 1:00 PM at St. Timothy’s Episcopal Church, 202 Goldsboro St E, Wilson, NC. There will be a reception after the service, followed by the burial at Maplewood Cemetery, Wilson. 

Betty Jean was a Goldsboro native born to Thomas Magnus and Margaret Elizabeth Triplett Gwatney. She graduated from Goldsboro High School in 1953 and accepted an opportunity to attend the University of Hawaii, Honolulu, as a freshman. She returned to North Carolina to continue her education at East Carolina College (ECU). In 1955 she married Robert Rose, and in 1957 she graduated from ECC with a B.S. in Primary Education. Betty Jean worked in the NC Public School system for several years and moved on to focus on growing her family. After raising four children, she resumed her career in primary education until 1983 when she married Eddie Gauss and made Wilson her home for 33 years. 

Throughout her life, Betty Jean was a devoted daughter, wife, mother, grandmother, and great grandmother who lived life to the fullest. She was an avid reader, crossword enthusiast, and a competitive bridge player. She was a delightful conversationalist, with a keen sense of humor. Betty Jean was also an accomplished and gracious hostess, who excelled at creating beautiful homes that made all feel welcome. She loved entertaining family and friends both in Wilson and her cherished home at Oak Bluff in Morehead City. Betty Jean and Eddie enjoyed 31 happy years together traveling the world and reaching 6 of the 7 continents. Together, they also made their pilgrimage to the Holy Land in 1995.

Throughout her life, Betty Jean’s abiding faith served as a beacon to her children and many others. She was a longtime and active parishioner of St. Timothy's Episcopal Church, Wilson. This is where her servanthood truly shined. She served on Altar Guild, the Missions Commission, the Worship Committee, and the Vestry. She was active in the Episcopal Church Women and served as a board member. She was an unwavering advocate for the children and youth of her parish.

Betty Jean also served on the Search Committee which invited Father Philip Byrum to lead the congregation. Father Phil planted a seed 25 years ago to St. Timothy’s Vestry in hopes of supporting the church life of the Wilson Spanish-speaking community. Betty Jean was instrumental in laying the foundation for these brothers and sisters in Christ to worship at St. Timothy's. She acquainted herself with them and worked diligently to welcome them. After outgrowing their space at St. Timothy's, the church, La Guadalupana de Wilson was established, continues to thrive and has witnessed over 1,000 baptisms since its inception.

Betty Jean and fellow parishioners, Randy Prouty and Bobby Cunningham spearheaded a Missions project focusing on the village of Machuca, Panama. Their mission team led the way for the construction of a medical clinic, which later became a multi-purpose facility. The team traveled to Machuca in 2006 and 2008 and formed spiritual relationships with one another and the villagers.

Betty Jean not only served her local parish; she embraced the opportunities to serve on both the Convocational and Diocesan levels. 

Betty Jean was an active member and served on the board of The Thomas Hadley Chapter, National Society Daughters of the American Revolution.

She is survived by her son, Bert Rose (Ramona) of New Bern, daughters, Beth Rose of High Point, Amy Rose Cecil (Curtis) of Thomasville, Mary Margaret Rose Radford (Daryl) of Morehead City, grandchildren Mary Glenn Rose Dinger (Brandon), Ali Pearson LeBlanc (Tom), Caroline Rose Brody (Adam), Robert Vance Morris, Thomas Radford, Joseph Radford, and great grandchildren Cannon, Grayson and Raleigh Dinger, Pierce and Anna Sloan LeBlanc, Conley, Oakley and Baker Brody, and her brother, Tommy Gwatney (Linda). Betty Jean is also survived by nieces Nikki Gwatney Hooks (Eric), Harper Gwatney Buskirk (Ben) and nephew Nicholas Doubd Gwatney II. 

In addition to her parents, Betty Jean was preceded in death by her husband Gustav Edward Gauss, Jr. in 2014, a brother, Nicholas Doubd Gwatney, sons in law, Henry Caudle, and Steve Pearson.

Betty Jean’s caring heart, quick wit and lovely smile was cherished and will be deeply missed by all who knew and loved her.   

In lieu of flowers, kindly support current relief efforts of Western North Carolina through Episcopal Relief & Development, www.support.episcopalrelief.org

Arrangements by Wilson Memorial Service, 2811 Fieldstream Dr N, Wilson, (252) 237-7171, www.wilsonmemorialservice.com