Betty McClanahan Herr, aged 94, passed away on September 30, 2024, in Matthews, NC. Born on November 19, 1929, Betty dedicated much of her life to her family and her community.

A graduate of Peabody University, Betty was a pioneering Home Economics teacher who championed inclusive education in the 1950s by integrating boys into her cooking and sewing classes. Her career at the high school level was marked by a passion for empowering students with practical life skills, a commitment that earned her the respect and admiration of her peers and students alike.

Betty was an active member of St John’s Baptist Church, where she enjoyed her many lifelong friends as well as singing in the choir and directing the children’s choirs, and Matthews Glen Vespers, where she found her final faith community to be warm and welcoming and nourishing to her spirit. Her faith and the community she found in church were central to her life.

Known for her bright smile, Betty was an avid golfer and bridge player, hobbies that she pursued with enthusiasm and skill. She took great pleasure in outdriving the men she played golf with on a regular basis! She also found joy in cooking, growing her own vegetables that showed up on the dinner table just minutes after they were harvested. Betty delighted in her children and grandchildren’s accomplishments, always leading the cheers at whatever sporting event they pursued. As she left golf and bridge behind, she found great joy in activities at Matthews Glen. She stoked her competitive fire with balloon volleyball and enjoyed playing the tambourine in the Matthews Glen Band, side by side with her amazing friends.

Betty leaves behind a loving family, including her daughters Melody Fountain (Walter Powell) and Marcy McClanahan (Cindy Clemens), daughter-in-law Kristie McClanahan, and her cherished grandchildren and great-grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her husband, Harry Herr, sons Martin and Michael McClanahan, brother J.C. Martin, and her parents Joseph and Myrtle Martin.

A service celebrating Betty’s life will be held at Matthews Glen Retirement Community Chapel at 11:00 am on October 5, 2024. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to Hall Fletcher Elementary School, 60 Ridgelawn Rd, Asheville, NC 28806, a school close to her heart where her grandson Luca Clemens teaches. Asheville was devastated by Hurricane Helene and the students and teachers at the school are in great need. Please note in the memo line “Betty Herr – Hurricane Helene Relief”.

Carolina Cremation is honored to serve the Herr family. Online condolences may be made at www.carolinacremation.com