Obituary

Elizabeth "Betty" Willoughby Verzwyvelt , a resident of Slidell, Louisiana for 58 years, passed away peacefully surrounded by her loved ones on Saturday, August 5, 2023, at the age of 86. She was a native of Tabor City, North Carolina, born on February 12, 1937. Betty was preceded in death by her devoted husband of 61 years, Elster Paul Verzwyvelt; her beloved son, Gary Paul Verzwyvelt (Annie Fry Verzwyvelt); her parents, Grace Hearn Hatch and Benny Bruce Willoughby; and her siblings, Benny Bruce Willoughby Jr. and Jean Willoughby Laughlin.

Betty leaves behind, to cherish her memory, three children, Liz Verzwyvelt Wiggins, Brent Patrick Verzwyvelt (Kim Blagrave Verzwyvelt), and Andy Verzwyvelt Hodson; 10 grandchildren, Kate Messer, Bryce Haddad, John Paul Verzwyvelt, Eric Verzwyvelt, Haley Haddad, Hannah Haddad, Catherine Hodson, Christina Hodson, Madison Fredrickson, and Abby Verzwyvelt; one great-granddaughter, Lily Anne Messer; and a host of extended family members and friends.

“Mama V”, as she was so fondly known, loved spending time with her husband, children, grandchildren, and great-grandchild. As the matriarch of the family, next to God, she made her family the center of her life. All holidays, special events, and Sunday gatherings were celebrated in her home until the day she passed. One can only imagine having someone in their life so Godly, inspiring, impactful, selfless, and wise in all areas of life. At age 84, she published Pearls of Wisdom, a collection of recommendations that are intended to inspire the reader to grow closer to their Creator. Betty’s focus throughout her life was to serve the Lord and others. She had an unwavering faith and looked forward to spending eternity with Christ. As a longtime member of Calvary Baptist Church of Slidell, she cultivated her faith by continuous study of the Bible and in her later years, continued the same practices at Grace Memorial Church of Slidell.

Betty graduated with honors from Southwestern Louisiana Institute in Lafayette with a double major in Secondary Education/English and Physical Education. She also went on to earn a Masters+30 from Southeastern Louisiana University in Hammond. As a passionate English teacher at Slidell High School and an innovative teacher and administrator at Calvary Baptist School, she touched the hearts of countless children of all ages. She was respected and admired by both students and colleagues for her devotion to education. Betty also remained active in the community and was a member of the St. Tammany Parish School Board, Delta Kappa Gamma, Woman’s Missionary Union, and an avid Mahjong player.

Relatives and friends are invited to attend a visitation on Saturday, August 12, 2023 from 11:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. at Grace Memorial Baptist Church in Slidell. A funeral service will begin at noon. Betty will be laid to rest in St. Joseph Abbey Cemetery following services. In lieu of flowers, please consider donations to Samaritan’s Purse (samaritanspurse.org) or the Gideons International (https://www.gideons.org/donate). Memories and condolences may be expressed at www.AudubonFuneralHome.com