Beloved Wife, Mother, and Grandmother
“The grass withers, the flowers fade, but the Word of God endures forever.” Isaiah 40:8
Betty Hart Royal, 81, passed away July 30, 2026, in Hendersonville, North Carolina. Born in Greensboro, she was the daughter of the late Harvey and Mary Ruth Hart. Betty lived life with enthusiasm, curiosity, and a deep and abiding faith in the Lord. From childhood, Scripture was an important part of her life. Beginning with her elementary school years, she was involved in groups that memorized Bible verses, a discipline that prevailed throughout her life.
Wherever she lived, she sought a Bible-based church where she could worship, teach, and serve. Humble service was a hallmark of her faith. Though she often preferred working behind the scenes, her natural leadership and organizational gifts frequently called her forward, always with an eye toward teaching others to lead. A lifelong learner, Betty earned several university degrees, including a doctorate from Vanderbilt University. After serving over 30 years in public education, Betty retired as a professor in the School of Education at High Point University, where she devoted her career to developing educational leaders. Of all her teaching, however, none brought her greater joy than leading and organizing Bible studies.
Betty shared her life with her beloved husband, Jim. Together they had two children, Lisa Royal McLennan (Braxton) of Charlotte and Thomas Alan Royal (Christy) of Greensboro. Her five grandchildren were among her greatest blessings: Mac McLennan, Ann Royal McLennan, Grey McLennan, Hank Royal, and Chas Royal. Betty considered them gifts from God and truly the “crown of grandparents” (Proverbs 17:6). Betty embraced life wholeheartedly. She loved traveling, especially to Israel and Eastern Europe, and particularly enjoyed river cruises. She was a voracious reader who also enjoyed golf, Carolina Tar Heel sports, drawing and painting, puzzles, bargain hunting at consignment stores for items to donate to others, and her beloved Yorkshire Terriers.
Betty will be remembered for her energy, generosity, curiosity, and joyful spirit. Above all, she will be remembered as a woman who loved the Lord faithfully, loved her family deeply, served others humbly, and greeted life with gratitude and enthusiasm.
A graveside service will be held at Guilford Memorial Park, 6000 W. Gate City Blvd, Greensboro, NC 27407 on October 17, 2026 at 1:00 pm.
In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made in Betty’s honor to Four Seasons Hospice, or Gideon Card Ministry
15 responses to “Betty Hart Royal”
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What a beautiful tribute to Betty and a life well lived. We will all miss her.
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Simply wonderful! Betty was impressive to me from the first time I saw her at Grandmother Royal’s , when she was Jim’s fiance in 1964. Betty was much loved and appreciated by my
parents, Dave & Vera Royal, and me.! She is greatly missed. Craig Royal. -
She was quite remarkable and will be missed
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Betty was an amazing woman. We admired her faith, joy and courage.
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I am so heartbroken to read this! She was so special!!! I will forever remember her with love and fondness. She always made me feel so special at CBS, always seen and loved by her!!!! Until we meet again in glory Betty, I love you! Prayers for her husband and family!
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Betty and I shared a love for consignment, yorkies, grandchildren and the Lord. I so enjoyed knowing her and I’m honored to have known her. She loved her family so very much and shared about them with great pride.
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Betty was such a kind, gentle soul. I will always remember with love our times together at church, particularly the Rhema class. Much love for you, too, Jim.
Barbara -
I absolutely love Betty. She was fashionable and loved life. Betty gave me a Bible ( i asked for) she was so happy to do that. I will miss her beautiful smile. I was Betty’s hairstylist at the beach. RIP my friend, you are with our Lord. 😘
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Betty was such a wonderful lady and we wish we had met you both years earlier. We will miss her greatly and will keep you in our thoughts and prayers
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My heart is broken! I absolutely loved Dr. Royal. She was my favorite professor at HPU and she oversaw my time as a Student Teacher. She was loved by so many of my fellow peers, as well. Love and prayers to her family. ♥️🙏🏽
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Royal/McLennan family. What a beautiful tribute honoring such a servant of God. I’m sure she was welcomed with open arms saying “Well done thy good and faithful servant!” Until you see her again may you be filled with peace and love that we cantruly only we from knowing Him who gives it to us abundantly. Love, Kristin
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Betty & Jim are very special people in our lives. Always joyful, prayerful, and fun to be with. Betty was our Gideon Auxiliary camp President in North Myrtle Beach and Jim was our President. The camp grew into the largest in SC under their leadership – so grateful for them and comfort & peace for Jim & family until we meet again!!! Love, Chris & Marie Sarratt
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Jim, our prayers are with you and your family. We loved getting to know Betty and you as we all served many years in the Piedmont Emmaus Community. Being a part of the diverse and gifted Emmaus family is about as close to heaven as we will get on earth. Betty was a wonderful educator especially in matters of the Christian faith. I enjoyed serving alongside her on many Emmaus Walks. She inspired me to continue grow in the Holy Spirit as we explored a study by Dr. Mark Virkler “4 Keys to Hearing God’s Voice.” That was a transforming Bible Study that she also led at Wesley Memorial Methodist Church in High Point. I know she doesn’t need that Bible study now because I imagine that she is seeing Jesus face to face and hearing His voice say “Well done good and faithful servant.” I can also imagine how her face is lighting up with joy in anticipation of the rest of her family and friends including her precious children and grand children who will join her in heaven someday. Until then we continue in her legacy to share the Gospel and “make heaven crowded.” Doug and I are holding on to this hope that makes this life worth living. May God’s countenance and His face shine upon you and give you peace. -Rev. Doug and Rev. Dr. Mary Miller (Winston Salem NC)
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Betty’s lively, radiant spirit blessed the campus of High Point University for years. It was a pleasure to be her colleague. There should be no doubt about where she has gone. I know the Royal family will continue Betty’s good works. My heart goes out to the Royals one and all.
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My relationship with Betty and Jim meant a lot to me. They were a great example of Love. They gave me a Charles Capps devotional when I was recovering from cancer surgery. I read my devotional every day. Gods Word is Powerful. May memories with her family carry them through in the coming years. God bless them richly.
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