Obituaries

Mrs. Betty Lou Barnes Pigg, 83, of Bassett, Virginia, passed away peacefully on March 15, 2025. Born in Martinsville, Virginia, on February 3, 1942, Betty lived a life dedicated to education, service, and unwavering love for her family and community.

She is survived by her devoted husband, Mr. Gene Ronald Pigg, of Martinsville, Virginia; her son, John Taylor Pigg, of Charlotte, North Carolina; her daughter, Cathleen Pigg, of Richmond, Virginia; her cherished granddaughters, Jane Liles Pigg and Lucy Taylor Pigg; and her mother-in-law, Lena Pigg.

Betty was preceded in death by her father, John Charles Barnes of Winston-Salem, NC; her mother, Geraldine Wilkins Smith Barnes of Enfield, NC; and her father-in-law, William Taylor Pigg.

A firm believer in the power of education, Betty graduated from Mary Baldwin College with a degree in psychology and English. She furthered her education, earning a graduate degree in psychology and counseling from Virginia Commonwealth University. Her passion for guiding others led her to a fulfilling career as a teacher and guidance counselor at Bassett High School and Carlisle School.

Betty was a pillar of the Martinsville-Henry County community, dedicating countless hours to volunteerism. She served as a trustee on the Keesee board for 30 years and as a director on the Red Cross board for 35 years. Her commitment to the arts was recognized with the Clyde Hooker Award for service at Piedmont Arts. She was also a founder and dedicated board member of the TheatreWorks community players.

Beyond her professional and volunteer work, Betty enjoyed playing tennis, traveling, the arts, and, of course, all things flowers. Above all, she treasured her family and friends. She was an extraordinary mother, a guiding influence to many, and a wonderful grandmother to Jane and Lucy, of whom she was immensely proud. Her caring and thoughtful nature made her a cherished friend to all who knew her.

Betty Lou will be deeply missed by her family, friends, and the community she faithfully served.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the Piedmont Arts Association or the American Red Cross.

There will be a celebration of life service at the Kings Grant Retirement Center Chapel on Saturday April 5th at 2pm. The address is 350 Kings Way Road, Martinsville, VA 24112

McKee-Stone Funeral Home is serving the family.