Betty Grow Patterson, 84, passed away peacefully on Sept. 11, 2025.
Born on June 28, 1941, in Roanoke, she was the daughter of the late Virgil Byron Grow, Jr. and Ollie Virginia Wright. B.C., as she was called, grew up in Roanoke and Danville, Va. She attended George Washington High School and it was there that she met her future husband, Rolvix “Bob” Patterson. The two married in 1961 and shared a devoted partnership until his passing.
Betty went on to attend the College of William & Mary, where she pursued her passion for the arts. She became an accomplished artist, working skillfully in both oils and watercolors. Throughout her life, she created numerous portraits and other works that reflected her talent.
She and Bob travelled on the tobacco markets for many years and settled in Smithfield, North Carolina in 1976, where they lived for many years. Betty was known as a warm and social person, someone who cherished time spent with her friends and community.
In addition to her husband, she was preceded in death by her mother, Ollie Virginia Wright, her father, Virgil Byron Grow, Jr., and her grandson Jack Patterson
She is survived by her brother, Virgil Byron Grow III, as well as her sons: Rob Patterson and his wife, Martha Ann, of New Bern, North Carolina, and John Patterson and his wife, Sheila, of Blacksburg. She was a proud grandmother to Rolvix Patterson III, Charlotte Patterson, Cassidy McAlpine, Benjamin Patterson, Antonina Patterson and Lucas Patterson.
A memorial service celebrating Betty’s life will be held at a later date.
