Betty Jo Vaught Cain

Betty Jo Vaught Cain, age 83, died peacefully at home on December 13, 2024, with her family by her side. Her father’s name was Joe, and her mother had an aunt named Betty. Therefore, her given name was Betty Jo.

She was the daughter of Joseph Benjamin and Rose Lewis Vaught of Bladenboro, NC, and the loving wife for 63 years of Dewey Glenn Cain, also of Bladenboro.

Betty Jo is survived by her husband, Glenn, who selflessly cared for her in sacrificial ways throughout their married life, especially as she battled dementia. 

She faithfully loved her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren: Dick Cain (Scottie) of Chattanooga, TN, and their children, Elizabeth Johnson (Josh) and their sons Bridger, Sibbes, Holden, and Kuyper; Katherine Sims (Taylor) and their children Campbell, Fisher and Kailyn; Rachel Cain and Austin Cain (Franni).

Caroline Hester (Rick) of Smithfield, NC, and their children Brooks Hester (Katie) and their daughters Allie and Emmy, and Morgan Clark (Will) and their daughter Eliza.

Cindy Hester (Matt) of Smithfield, NC, and their children Jackson and Jordan. Betty Jo cherished and adored all of them because the joy of her life was serving as a mom and “Giga.”

She is also survived by her brother Otis Fisher (Lavonne) of Greensboro, NC, and sister Shirley Clark Bridger (Charles) of Bladenboro, NC. She is preceded in death by her brothers Joe Vaught, Jr., Wilbur Vaught, and Billy Ray Fisher.

Betty Jo graduated from Bladenboro High School in 1959. She attended Campbell College and then graduated from Pembroke State University in 1964. She taught multiple generations of students and was loved and remembered fondly by them. 

She valued her relationship with Jesus Christ and was a longtime member of First Baptist Church of Bladenboro. She expressed in her journal her greatest hope: “That all of my children and grandchildren will know Jesus as their personal Savior and that they will spend every minute they can advancing the kingdom of God.”

Betty Jo loved being with people and could light up a room with her vivacious personality and beautiful smile. She gladly served others and delighted in helping to lead youth retreats to Camp Caswell, children’s and youth choirs, and singing in the choir. She loved to sing and inspired her children and grandchildren to pursue the same. Another highlight was serving as a member of the Closely Knit group at her church. She had many faithful friends, particularly her book club.

She fought the good fight, finished the race, kept the faith. Therefore, we rise up and bless her.

The family sends our heart-felt thanks to Therthia McKiver for her faithful care of our mom as well as Amy Dudley, Anya Dudney, and Betty Davis of Liberty Home Care and Hospice.

The visitation will occur from 1-2:30pm on Friday, December 20th in the Fellowship Hall at First Baptist Church in Bladenboro. The funeral service will follow at 3pm in the sanctuary with a graveside service to follow at Pine Crest Cemetery. 

The family will receive friends for visits throughout the week at the Cain home at 516 S. Main Street Bladenboro, NC 28320.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that contributions be made in memory of Betty Jo Cain to First Baptist Church, PO Box 176, Bladenboro, NC 28320 or Liberty Home Care and Hospice, 44 McNeill Plaza, Whiteville, NC 28472.