Bettie Ann Stanerson

Bettie Ann was born on March 11, 1936, to Samuel Elliot Pugh and Elizabeth Woodson Pugh. She grew up in Crozet, Virginia, where she attended Crozet School. She grew up in the same home she lived in the later part of her life with her loving husband, daughter, and son in law. After graduating, she went on to the University of Virginia School of Nursing, beginning a forty-year career in nursing—a profession that was so much more than a job to her. Caring for others was simply who she was.

While at UVA, a fellow nursing student introduced her to her brother, Brad Stanerson. They instantly clicked, and after graduation, they married. Together, they shared 68 years of marriage. Bettie Ann believed deeply in the importance of marriage and was never shy about sharing that belief with anyone who would listen. Their life together was a testament to the love, commitment, and companionship she valued so much. Every night at exactly 7 p.m., Bettie Ann and her husband would sit together on their sofa and enjoy ice cream—a tradition they shared for many years.

Bettie Ann had a remarkable gift for making people feel cared for. She nursed family members and friends through illnesses and surgeries, helped them through difficult recoveries, and was often the one beside a loved one when the time came to say goodbye. She gave that same tenderness to animals, caring for dogs, cats, pet rats, and injured birds—many of them rescued animals who needed someone to love them.

Her faith was at the heart of her life. Bettie Ann was an active and devoted member of her church, most recently Hillsboro Baptist Church in Crozet. A strong prayer warrior and an avid student of the Bible, she loved Jesus deeply. Her faith was not just something she spoke about; it was something she lived, reflected in the compassion she showed to her patients, family, friends, and all those who came into her life.

Bettie Ann was preceded in death by her parents, her brother, Sam Pugh, and her sister, Ethel Rea Pugh.

She is survived by her beloved husband of 68 years, Bradford; her daughter and son-in-law, Beth and Joe Sebastian; her daughter and son-in-law, Rhonda and Mike Sebastian; her granddaughters, Rebekah Sebastian and Nicole (Stephen) Miller; and her grandsons, Joshua (Leanne), Danny (Krissy), and Eric (Katie) Sebastian.

She is also survived by eight great-grandchildren, who brought her tremendous joy in her later years: Morgan Doerr, Kira Sebastian, Shane Doerr, Kylie Sebastian, Kayla Sebastian, Wesley Doerr, Nathan Sebastian, and soon-to-arrive Mark Sebastian.

Bettie Ann leaves behind a legacy of love that will continue through the many lives she touched. She will be remembered for her generous spirit, her caring heart, her unwavering faith, and the countless ways she made the world a little kinder. Her family and friends will miss her deeply, but they will carry her love with them always.