Biography: Elizabeth Marie Kilbury Terry was born in Little Rock on October 17, 1924, to the late Dr. Merlin Joe and Elizabeth Penick Kilbury. Known as Betty, she will be lovingly remembered for her joy for life, her sense of humor, her loyalty to her friends and family, and her charming personality. She died on November 27, 2024, surrounded by family and caregivers at Presbyterian Village, a month after celebrating her 100^th birthday.

Born a darling redhead, Betty had a fun-filled childhood in Little Rock, first living at 2122 Schiller and then at 4622 East Crestwood. She attended Forest Park Elementary, Pulaski Heights Junior High, and Little Rock High School, graduating in 1942. She attended St. Mary’s College (Raleigh, NC) for one year and graduated from Lindenwood College (St. Charles, MO) in 1946. Betty made her debut at the Grady Manning Hotel in Little Rock.

She married the love of her life, William L. (Bill) Terry, on June 20, 1947, at Trinity Episcopal Cathedral, and they were happily married for almost seventy years. Betty was devoted to her family, her friends, and her community and church. She had boundless energy and was always ready to plan the next adventure with Bill, with her friends (especially the Delta Dollies), or with her three daughters and later her grands – she and Bill enjoyed the Arkansas Arts Center Traveling Seminars, visiting National Parks, attending tennis tournaments (Wimbledon, the US Open, and the Davis Cup), and following the Razorbacks. She was a long-term member of the Country Club of Little Rock, where she played tennis into her eighties. She played bridge well into her nineties and was a member of two book clubs.

Betty served as president of Trinity Cathedral Church Women, the Little Rock YWCA, and the Aesthetic Club. She also served on the boards of the Little Rock Junior League, Little Rock Garden Club, Fine Arts Club, Mount Holly Cemetery Association, Visiting Nurse Association, CARTI, Salvation Army, and Senior Citizens Activities Today. She put her skills as a volunteer fundraiser to use for the Arkansas Arts Center (she was an early co-chair of Tabriz) and the AAC Decorative Arts Museum, among other charities. 

Betty – who became “Granterry” when she was blessed with grandchildren – was her family’s constant, loving presence. And she was born to be a grandmother. She and “Grandado” attended more recitals, athletic events, and school assemblies/graduations than one can count (not to mention after-school pickups), and they provided opportunities for travel and adventure near and far. Once, she accompanied her grandson, Fletcher, to a high-school science symposium in Russia. Once, she was the subject of an inspirational essay written by her granddaughter Eliza that was nationally recognized. Once, she came to Grandparents Day with her granddaughter Rachael and tap danced upon request. She organized many an extended-family vacation to Destin, where she was always game to jump the waves in the Gulf, stay up late watching movies, and participate in “fashion shows” after shopping trips to the outlet mall. She adored her family, and they adored her.

For nearly nine years at the end of her life, Betty lived at Presbyterian Village. She and her daughters Beth and Susan made friends with the staff and residents and participated in many of the activities. She looked forward to visits and flower deliveries from the Altar Flower Guild of Trinity Cathedral. The family will be forever grateful to the caring staff and volunteers of these two faith communities. Her family is especially thankful for the many caregivers who helped Granterry live independently – especially Melody Pye, Stephanie Kimble, Resty Namaganda, Tiffany White, and all of the staff, caregivers, and volunteers at “Granterry’s Village,” as her great-granddaughter affectionately called her home.

Betty was preceded in death by her parents; her brother, Dr. Merlin J. Kilbury, Jr.; her husband; her daughter Ellen Terry; and her nephew Robert Kilbury. She is survived by her daughters Beth Foti (Tom) and Susan Borné (Robin); her grandchildren Fletcher Foti (Kerry Fleisher), Eliza Borné (John Williams), and Rachael Borné; and her great-grandchildren Jethro and Weston Foti and Madeleine and Alex Borné-Williams. She is also survived by her nephews Dr. Merlin Kilbury III and David Kilbury.
In lieu of flowers, the family asks that memorials be made to Trinity Episcopal Cathedral (310 West 17^th Street, Little Rock, AR 72206) or Presbyterian Village (510 Brookside Drive, Little Rock, AR 72205).

A memorial service will be held at Trinity Episcopal Cathedral on Tuesday, December 3, 2024, at 10 a.m. with The Very Rev. Amy Dafler Meaux officiating, followed by a reception in the Cathedral’s Morrison Hall. After the reception, burial will be at Mount Holly Cemetery. Arrangements are by RuebelFuneralHome.com