Betty Marie Harper Christopher

Betty Marie Harper Christopher, 88, of the Pisgah Community, Bruceton Mills, passed away early Sunday, September 14, 2014 at her home. Betty was born in Morgantown on August 30, 1926, the daughter of the late Adam Harness Harper and the late Cora Judy Harper, formerly of Riverton (Pendleton Co.), WV. A 1944 graduate of Morgantown High School, Betty became one of the first two female school bus drivers in the state of West Virginia, when she was hired in 1967 by the Monongalia County Board of Education. She retired in 1988 due to health reasons. Betty’s interests were crossword puzzles, reading, her cats and feeding and watching her wild birds. She always loved flowers after working at McKay’s Florist after graduating High School. Betty is survived by her five children, William L. “Bill” Christopher (Vickie) of Morgantown, Catherine C. Anderson (Jesse) of N. Augusta, SC, Sandra M. “Sandy” Christopher of Pisgah Community, Edward “Paul” Christopher (Dottie) of Morgantown, and Mary Grace Jordan (Richard Hormann) of the Pisgah Community. She is also survived by her grandchildren, Billie Jo Nelson, Katelin Christopher, Anthony Rizi, Paul Newman, E.P. Christopher, Brian Christopher, Sarah Jordan, Adam “Jake” Jordan and Rebecca “Hoobie” Dailey. In addition, she is survived by 16 great-grandchildren, brother-in-law, George Christopher; and sisters-in-law, Effie Harper Lambert and Mary Cotter. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband of nearly fifty years, William E. “Bill” Christopher; four siblings, Martin Harper, Irene “Peggy” Lyons, Mary Hall and Charles Harper; two grandchildren, John Paul Christopher, Sr., and Christie Lynn Christopher; nephews Buddy Harper, Bobby Harper and Larry Harper; a niece, Mary Deonise; her best friends Jeanne McKay and Louise McDonald; and her favorite teacher and friend, Miss Louise Noble. Family and friends will be received at Hastings Funeral Home, 153 Spruce St., Morgantown on Tuesday, September 16th from 1-3 & 6-8 PM and again on Wednesday, September 17th from 10 AM until the time of the funeral service at 11 AM with Chaplain Craig L. Falkenstine officiating. Following the funeral service, Betty’s wishes for cremation will be honored by her family. Online condolences: www.hastingsfuneralhome.com