Elizabeth (Betsy) Carlyle McLean, 74, of Raleigh, NC, died Wednesday, January 11, 2017, after a long and courageous battle with multiple cancers. Her doctors called her their “miracle patient” and we always said she had nine lives. She was indeed the strongest and most determined woman we have ever known. She often quoted from Gone With The Wind – “We’ll worry about that tomorrow, Scarlett.”

Betsy was born September 16, 1942, in Kinston, NC. She graduated from Grainger High School where she was a majorette, a member of the band, science club, Future Teachers of America, and many other activities. She later attended East Carolina University and ultimately graduated from North Carolina State University after 15 years of dedication to achieve her degree in Sociology and Criminal justice. Yes, she was a natural blonde but she was one smart lady!

She was a loving mother, granny, sister, aunt, and friend. The loves of her life were her children and grandchildren. She was the epitome of never ending , unconditional love. She was officially known as Granny to all. She never missed a game, an assembly, a recital, a meet, or anything! She grew up dancing on the boardwalks of the Atlantic and Myrtle Beach and was proudly inducted in the Shagger’s Hall of Fame – she could out dance anyone! She had a song for every occasion or moment.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Carlyle and Pescal Theodore (Johnny) McLean.

Betsy is survived by her three children, Michael Bradley, Stephanie Bradley Kuhnel and husband, Mike Kuhnel, and Jason Bradley and wife, Rachael Bradley. She also leaves behind her 9 grandchildren: Blair, Mikaela, Abbie, Ashlyn, Chandler, Evan, Summer, Spencer and Carson. She is also survived by her two brothers Mickey McLean and Thomas (Buddy) Brown.

She was known to have a southern class with sass. She lived life to the fullest and in the lyrics of Frank Sinatra, “I did it my way.”

A visitation will be held at Renaissance Funeral Home, 7615 Six Forks Road, Raleigh, NC at 5pm on Saturday, January 14 with a Celebration of Life Service to follow at 6pm. The family will welcome extended family and friends at the home of Stephanie and Mike Kuhnel’s at 9520 Bells Valley Drive, Raleigh, NC.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made in Betsy’s honor to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital at www.stjude.org.