On Sunday, October 4, 2020, Betsy Reaves Korkuc passed away at her home following a short but aggressive illness. She was 80 years old.
Born on March 8, 1940 in Roanoke Rapids, NC, Betsy was the 7th child of Dallas Dalton Reaves and Mary Faison Reaves.
She attended RR public schools where she was active in several sports and extra-curricular activities. The Reaves family were members of First Christian Church where Betsy was baptized.
As an adult, Betsy moved to Warwick, RI where she was the Executive Assistant to the Warden of the RI Women’s State Correctional Facility. Later when she returned to NC, she was Secretary to the Superintendent of Programs at the NC Department of Corrections in Caledonia where she retired.
Betsy was an avid tennis and billiards player, winning several trophies for each. She loved to travel and inherited the love of music from her father. She was lead singer in a barbershop quartet that performed as The Sweet Adelines for many years. Following the death of her mother, as well as surviving breast cancer and leukemia, Betsy moved home to Roanoke Rapids where she became a member of Good News Baptist Church and put her musical talent to use playing the piano and singing there. She was also a member of AMVETS Ladies Post 101 Halifax County. Betsy was well known for her warm smile, quick wit and all things Elvis.
Betsy was preceded in death by her parents, Dallas and Mary Reaves; brother Phillip Bruce Reaves; sisters Viola Hurst Daughtry, Doris Clary Taylor, Earnestine Reaves; and grandson Ashley Jody Smith.
Left to cherish her memory are her sons, Dale Smith (Jan) of Salisbury, NC and retired Lt. David Korkuc (Sara) of Tallahassee, FL; sisters Rose Frank of Richmond, VA and Shirley Hasty of Maryville, TN; grandchildren: Elizabeth Smith of Roanoke Rapids, Kiara Korkuc and Jason Korkuc both of Gulf Breeze, FL; great-grandchildren Stanley Gavin Smith, Landyn Taylor, and Ryleigh Taylor; along with many nieces, nephews, cousins and dear friends.
A memorial service will be held on Tuesday, October 6, 10:00 a.m. at Good News Baptist Church. To protect yourself and others, attendees are asked to wear a face covering.
The family has entrusted care to Hockaday Funeral and Cremation Services of Roanoke Rapids.
In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to the cancer charity of your choice.