Betty Gray Briel, 85, passed away peacefully in her sleep on June 22, 2018. Betty was born in Harnett County on September 24, 1932 to the late Jesse Shep Moore and Ila Jane West. She is preceded in death by her husband, Edwin W. Briel Jr. and her son, John Conrad Allen.

She is survived by her son, Edwin W. Briel III (Lisa) of Ocean, NC ; daughter, Darlene Briel, Broad Creek, NC; grandchildren, Donna Cosentino (Louis) of Tucson, AZ; Francis Vaughan (Vince), Garner, NC; Kristin Bollten (Ben) , Garner, N.C.; Brandon Keel (Courtney),  Hampton, VA; Edwin W. Briel, IV (Lena), Swansboro, NC. She also leaves behind seven great grandchildren, Anna-Marie Cosentino, Suzanne Paxson, Catherine Jo Cosentino, Mia Vaughan, Wyatt Bollten, Bethany Bollten and Avery Briel; and five great great grandchildren, Mason Watkins, Bailey Watkins, Luke Watkins, Elizabeth Paxson and Zoey Paxson.

Betty and her husband retired from IBM and established a home in Goose Creek Resort in the early 80's. It is in this location that they enjoyed many fabulous years together. Betty and Ed lived life to the fullest in the Goose Creek area, loving one another, enjoying sunrises and sunsets --- and all the activities associated with living around Bogue Sound. Their activities included boating, inshore and offshore fishing, fishing tournaments, clamming, crabbing, swimming at the community pool, and spending time with friends, neighbors, and family. As for family, their utmost love was for their grandchildren.

On November 25, 2000, the love of her life passed unexpectedly, and for 18 more years, Betty was resilient in continuing to enjoy life through the love of her family and friends. She continued to watch her family grow and loved them all unconditionally – and always provided a helping hand and encouragement. Her other loves or enjoyments in life included her late dog Sanna-Bell, her dog Annie, crafts, puzzles, reading, computer games, gospel music, and hundreds of ornamental frogs. Betty always loved the holidays, but she was exceptionally fond of Thanksgiving, and Christmas was her absolute favorite !

Until this year, Betty had leaned toward cremation and as quoted from a letter found in her personal papers – "I want to be cremated and ashes spread in Bogue Sound on an outgoing high tide, where I was the happiest in my life with ED, my CHILDREN, and GRAND CHILDREN." On Tuesday, June 26 th , Betty will be laid to rest beside the love of her life for 61 years.

Visitation for family and friends is scheduled for Tuesday, June 26 at 12 noon at Montlawn Memorial Park, Raleigh NC with the funeral following at 1 p.m.