Getting your Trinity Audio player ready...

MARTINEZ, GA – Betty Wiggins Byrum Lilley, 89, a former resident of Smithfield, VA, died Saturday, August 17, 2024 in her home after a brief illness.

She was preceded in death by her husband of over 64 years, Major General Aaron Lycurgus Lilley, Jr. (US Army Ret).

Mrs. Lilley was born in 1935 in Suffolk, VA. She was the daughter of the late William Graham Byrum and Estelle Hooks Byrum. Her brother, Dr. Graham Vance Byrum, Sr., and his wife, Betty Jean McCormick Byrum, also preceded her in death.

Betty was a homemaker, mother, and gracious Army wife who partnered with her husband through a long and distinguished military career of 32 years. With every duty station, Betty found ways to serve both the military community and the greater surrounding area. She volunteered with multiple organizations as a Sunday School Teacher, a Scout Leader, a budget counselor, and an Arlington Lady to name a few. With her move to Smithfield, Betty continued her community service activities as an instructor for the AARP Safety Driving course and as an active member of Benn’s United Methodist Church, serving in many capacities. She also volunteered for the Woman’s Club in Smithfield for many years.

Mrs. Lilley is survived by her two children, Linda Lilley Skenes (Ron) of Evans, GA, and David Aaron Lilley (Susan) of Salem, SC; four grandchildren, Kevin Skenes (Krista), Carol Skenes, J. Aaron Lilley (Kimberly), and US Army Maj. Daniel Lilley (Shana); and seven great grandchildren, Brooke, Connor, Shea, Jackson, Trace, Charlotte, and Tessa. Also surviving is her sister-in-law, Carolyn Lilley Banister (Steve); two nieces, Pamela Jenkins (Jimmy) and Susan Rountree (Rick), and a nephew, Graham Byrum, Jr., MD (Marti).

Funeral services will be held on Monday, August 26, 2024 at 11:00 am in the Albert G. Horton Jr. Memorial Veterans Cemetery, 5310 Milner’s Road, Suffolk, VA, with Bishop Nathaniel Johnson officiating. Friends may visit with the family immediately following the service.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Benn’s United Methodist Church, 14571 Benn’s Church Blvd, Smithfield, VA 23430, or to the Army Emergency Relief (https://www.armyemergencyrelief.org).

Miller & Van Essendelft Funeral Home, 304 Main Street, Gatesville, is assisting the family with arrangements and online condolences may be made by visiting www.millerfhc.com.