Obituary of Betty Cloyd

“How beautiful are the feet of those who proclaim the Gospel of Peace” Isaiah 52:7

Betty Shannon Cloyd (December 3, 1932 - November 9, 2024) beloved and devoted wife, mother, and grandmother, author, United Methodist Diaconal minister, and consultant in prayer and spiritual formation, passed away peacefully at home surrounded by family on November 9, 2024, in Chapel Hill, NC at the age of 91.

Betty demonstrated an abiding devotion to her family, her church, and her God. Betty served in ministry in many capacities. Among these are: Director of Children’s Ministry at McKendree United Methodist Church in Nashville, TN and Diaconal Minister of Christian Education at Hermitage United Methodist Church in Hermitage, TN. She was part of the Academy for Spiritual Formation and also served as the Director of the Upper Room Prayer Center for the Upper Room in Nashville, TN. Betty was a leader in spiritual formation and prayer ministries, ever passionate about nurturing the spiritual lives of children.

Betty earned a Bachelor of Science from Southern Methodist University and a Masters Degree in Christian Education from Scarritt College. She authored three books and numerous articles, including Glory Beyond All Comparison, Children and Prayer: A Shared Pilgrimage, and Parents and Grandparents as Spiritual Guides: Nurturing Children of the Promise, all published by Upper Room Books. These works, translated into multiple languages, have inspired readers around the world.

Betty is preceded in death by her beloved husband of 67 years, Rev. Dr. Thomas H. Cloyd. Betty and Tommy met and fell in love at Tennessee Tech University, and they never looked back. Their shared ministry was truly extraordinary and their love enduring. Betty and Tom served as partners in ministry in many congregations and as missionaries, in the Democratic Republic of the Congo and later among the Navajo people in the United States.

Together, the Cloyds shared the love of God in Christ, touching countless lives. Their home (they had many, moving well over 20 times in ministry!) was marked by an unwavering hospitality for all who entered, offering a refuge of grace and support to all.

Betty is survived by her children and their families: Therese and Mark Cloyd, Cynthia Cotton Cloyd and Jerry Keller, Wendy Scott and Dr. J. Timothy Cloyd, Rev. Suzanne Cloyd and Dr. C. Scott Hultman. Betty is deeply beloved by her grandchildren, who called her Shuggie, and her impact lives on in them : Maggie Cloyd, Logan Scott, Chloe Hultman, Dr. Samuel Cloyd, Thomas Cloyd, Charles Hank Hultman, and Timothy Hultman. Her family, so dear to her, includes her late sister Margaret Hodges, her sister Katherine Woodfin and her brother Patrick Shannon, and their families.

She is also survived by many treasured nieces, nephews, cousins and friends of all ages, to whom she sent rivers of notes, letters, scriptures, prayers, birthday wishes, notes of encouragement, and words of love. Her daily discipline of praying for those in need and sending heartfelt notes and cards, exemplified the love of Christ and was a hallmark of her ministry, especially in her later years.

The ripple of God’s grace from our Mom’s life continues on, and her many sacrifices for her faith are enduring. She held fast to God’s promises, and while she is sorely missed, her legacy inspires all who knew her, and the hope of the Resurrection prevails.

A local Memorial will be held at Palmer’s Grove UMC, in Hillsborough, NC on November 23, 2024 at 2 pm and a visitation/reception will follow the service. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in her honor to Palmer’s Grove United Methodist Church, 1211 Palmers Grove Church Rd. Hillsborough, NC 27278

A Memorial will be held in Nashville, TN, on Saturday March 8, 2025 at 2 pm at Belle Meade UMC (where Betty and Tom were active in ministry for years) with a committal of ashes following. Visitation will be from 1-2 pm prior to the service. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the:

Tom and Betty Cloyd Scholarship Fund. UMFMTC.ORG

℅ The United Methodist Foundation, TWK Conference of the UMC

1908 Grand Ave. Suite 210 Nashville, TN 37212