PORTSMOUTH- Betty Gayle MacPherson, 80, left this world peacefully on April 18, 2018. She was preceded in death by her husband, John Leslie MacPherson; son John Dana MacPherson; father Cabal Perkins; mother Janie P. Green; stepfather Alfred Green; brothers Cecil Perkins, Crafton Perkins, and Lankford Perkins; sisters Iris P. Granger, Arlene P. Grimes, Joyce Ann Perkins, Patricia P. Caywood and Leatrice P. Mizell.

Betty is survived by her children, Terri Click, Melissa MacPherson, Melanie Coker; 13 adoring grandchildren: Marissa Jimenez, JoAnn MacPherson, Jimmy Click, Dana MacPherson, Daniel Click, Holly Collins, Rory Collins, Zachary Click, Nicholas Flanagan, Alyssa and Austin Coker, Michael and David Baeza; and 12 great-grandchildren.

Betty was born in South Boston, VA and met her future husband of 52 years, John, in Portsmouth, VA. They were stationed at numerous Air Force bases over the years, but her most beloved assignment was in Madrid, Spain. She loved telling stories of their time in Spain when her kids were young, and often joked of her poor handle on the Spanish language. Betty was a Real Estate broker in San Antonio, TX for 20 years, then moved back to Portsmouth in 1996. She had no greater love than family and was the rock for all generations.

Betty was strong in body, mind and spirit, and a role model to all who loved her. As much as she will be missed, her family believes that she fulfilled her time on this planet and taught much about devotion, laughter and fun.

The family would like to express special appreciation to extended family and church members for their compassion and dedicated support.

A memorial service will be held 2:00p.m. Sunday, April 22, at Court Street Baptist Church. In lieu of flowers, memorial gifts may be made to the Court Street Baptist Endowment Fund, 447 Court St., Portsmouth VA 23704. Please share condolences at BWFosterFuneralHome.com.