Betty Marie Gann Fulcher

Mrs. Betty Marie Gann Fulcher, 89, of Winston-Salem, NC, passed away on October 25, 2026, at her home, surrounded by her loving family. Mrs. Fulcher was born on October 13, 1937, in Forsyth County to the late Mr. Jefferson Marion Gann and Mrs. Annie Olen Moody Gann.

Betty was the youngest of six children and was known by her siblings as “their baby.” If there was one thing that described Betty, it was her willingness to put others before herself. While still in the 10th grade, she left school and began working to help support her family. Even at a young age, she understood the importance of family and was willing to make sacrifices for the ones she loved. She later served as Secretary of Special Services for the United States Navy in Jacksonville, Florida, proving that leaving school early never stopped her from doing great things. Betty spent her life caring for others, and that same giving heart was a part of who she was.

Her time in Florida was spent raising her children and horses, chickens and small animals on their land. She instilled a strong work ethic in Mark and Kathy to be diligent in all the chores around the small farm.

Betty enjoyed spending time with her large circle of friends, whether dining out at a favorite restaurant or having them over for a delicious meal. A visit to Betty’s house always meant a good meal and a warm welcome and a delicious dessert. She had a special way of making everyone feel at home and loved. Even after retirement, Betty chose to work three days a week which fulfilled her by connecting with colleagues and the public, which naturally widened her circle of friends.

At the heart of Betty’s life was her faith in the Lord. She attended Overflow Church in Lexington, NC, until her health no longer allowed her to attend. Betty didn’t just talk about her faith; she lived through the way she loved others, cared for her family, and always put others before herself.

Her life was a testament to her faith, her love for others, and her devotion to family. She will be remembered for the love she gave freely and the lasting impact she left on our hearts.

In addition to her parents, she was preceded in passing by her husband, Nathaniel Edward Thigpen; daughter, Kathy Marie (Thigpen) Ridgon; and her five siblings, Rayford and Arthur Gann, Elsie Childress, Ibera Isom, and Edna Gross.

Left to cherish her memory are her son, Mark Thigpen (Tina Marie); three grandsons, Mark “Anthony” Thigpen II (Casey), Nathaniel Lincoln “Kole” Thigpen (Skylar) and Joseph Nathan Edward Thigpen (Jessica); and four great-grandchildren, Jeffrey, Alex, Ayden, and Kendall.

A funeral service will be held at 10:00am on Friday, October 30, 2026, at Hayworth-Miller Silas Creek Chapel with Chaplain Tom Gramley officiating. The family will receive friends Thursday evening, from 6:00pm ~ 8:00pm at the funeral home. A private family entombment will be held at Roselawn Burial Park, in Martinsville, VA.

In honor of Mrs. Fulcher’s love for animals, in lieu of flowers, donations may be made to any local animal shelter or humane society.

Hayworth-Miller Silas Creek Chapel is serving the family.