Betty A. Golden, age 83, died on Saturday, April 14 at WindsorMeade of Williamsburg, Virginia after a long struggle with Alzheimer’s disease.
She was born in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania on October 2, 1934 to Thomas and Elizabeth (Friedauer) Beatty, and married John Charles Golden, Jr. on December 27, 1958. She was a graduate of Frankfort High School in Philadelphia and Juniata College in Huntingdon, Pennsylvania. She earned a Master’s Degree in Education from Villanova University as well as a Master’s Degree in Reading Education from Arcadia University in Glenside, Pennsylvania.
She had a 43-year career as an educator in the Neshaminy School District in Pennsylvania as both an elementary school teacher and a reading specialist. For many years, she was responsible for the district’s implementation of federal education grants for schools with children from low-income families. She had a life-long passion for elementary education and reading, in particular, and she touched the lives of thousands of schoolchildren.
Prior to retiring to Williamsburg, she lived in Chestnut Hill, Philadelphia and Feasterville, Pennsylvania. She and her husband enjoyed traveling throughout the world, and their annual family vacations in Hilton Head Island, South Carolina were among her fondest memories.
Betty is survived by her husband of 59 years, John C. Golden; her daughter, Jill White (Andrew) of Manakin Sabot, Virginia; her son, Gregory John Golden (Jennifer) of Arlington, Virginia; and her four grandchildren, Madeline Keets White, George Warner White, John Charles Golden III, and Blake Gregory Golden. She is also survived by her brother, Thomas W. Beatty (Donna) of Springfield, Missouri, and nephews T. Bryan Beatty (Jennifer) and Andrew Beatty (Angela).
Relatives and friends are invited to attend a memorial service at 11:00 a.m. on Thursday, April 26 at Williamsburg Presbyterian Church, 215 Richmond Road Williamsburg, Virginia, followed by a reception at WindsorMeade of Williamsburg. The family requests that in lieu of flowers, a contribution be made to the Southeastern Virginia Chapter of the Alzheimer’s Association (www.alz.org), 6350 Center Drive, Suite 102, Norfolk, Virginia 23502. Online condolences may be offered at www.nelsenwilliamsburg.com.
