Betty was the surviving spouse of Rev. James A. McClung
Mrs. Dorothy Elizabeth “Betty” Beckner McClung, age 84, passed away peacefully on October 13, 2026. Betty was born February 22, 1942, in Norfolk, Virginia, daughter of the late David Stuart Sr. and Dorothy Rhodes Beckner. She is survived by her brother, David Stuart Beckner Jr.; twins, son, James Walter McClung and daughter, Tondra McClung Atkins (Gary); her grandchildren, Jordan Atkins (Gavin), Ashton Crull (Ryan), and Katharine Luzia (Katie) McClung; her great-grandchildren, Grayson James and Elizabeth Mae Crull; and many nephews, nieces, extended family members, church family, and former students who will miss her deeply.
Betty graduated from Maury High School in 1960. She attended Mars Hill Junior College and Wake Forest University, where she earned her Bachelor of Arts in Education in 1964. For over 25 years, she dedicated her life to nurturing children’s minds and hearts as an elementary school teacher. She gained lifelong friendships during her career.
Betty was deeply rooted in her faith. For over 45 years, she was a cherished wife and ministry partner to her late husband, Rev. James Andrew McClung. Together they served numerous congregations in the North Carolina and Virginia Conferences. She was an active member of every church they served. She led the children’s choir, served on hospitality committees, volunteered for events, joined the senior groups in her later years, and loved singing in the choir every Sunday. She spent the last 16 years as a devoted member of Saint Andrews United Methodist Church in Henrico, Virginia. For so many, she was not just a teacher, but a caregiver, a confidant, and a friend. While her family and friends will deeply miss her presence, they are thankful for the legacy she leaves behind. God called her home and embraced her with the abundance of love she showed others in this life. At long last, she is reunited with her husband, Jimmy. May they sing and dance together until we meet them again.
Visitation will be Thursday, October 29, 2026, from 2- 4 PM and 6-8 PM at Bliley’s Funeral Home, 8510 Staples Mill Rd., Richmond, VA. A private burial service will take place for family and close friends at Westhampton Memorial Park. A Celebration of Life service will take place at Saint Andrew’s United Methodist Church, 9801 Fort King Rd. Richmond, VA, on Friday, October 30, 2026, at 11:30 AM. A reception will follow the service. Instead of flowers, memorials may be given to Saint Andrew’s United Methodist Church.
The family thanks the doctors, nurses, and Compassus Hospice team who cared for Betty. We especially thank Natasha “Tasha” Anderson, our angel, who faithfully cared for “Memaw” for 4 years.
(Source: https://www.blileys.com/obituaries/Elizabeth-Beckner-McClung?obId=49948440)