Bettie Hawes Meyer

Bettie Hawes Meyer of Rose Hill, NC, gave up her temporary earthly life for her eternal heavenly home during the early evening of Sunday, January 4, 2026, while in the care of ECU Health-Duplin Hospital.

Born on July 4, 1935, she is the daughter of the late Dr. Charles Forest Hawes, Sr. and Mary Emma Stewart Hawes of Rose Hill. Also preceding her in death are her husband, Ernst Wilhelm Meyer, Sr.; sister Emma Sue Hawes Crocker and husband Kay; and brother Charles Forest Hawes, Jr. and wife Melissa.

Left to cherish her memory are her children Mary-Anna Meyer Arnold and husband Ken of Raleigh (NC) and Ernst W. Meyer, Jr. and wife Jennifer Bingham of Jonesborough (TN); and grandson Alexander K. Arnold and wife Sarah of Raleigh (NC). She is also survived by her brother, Dr. David Hawes and wife Judy of Raleigh; and sister-in-law Christel Decker of Schwetzingen, Germany. Numerous and beloved nieces, nephews and extended family members also mourn her passing.

Bettie studied home economics at the Women’s College of the University of North Carolina (now UNCG). An adventurous soul, she went on a European tour following graduation and fell in love with the people and places she saw during her travels. On a later trip to Germany, she met Ernst, Sr. at the Heidelberg train station and said it was love at first sight. They married in Schwetzingen, Germany in 1959. They later welcomed Mary-Anna and Ernst, Jr. into their family and remained in Schwetzingen until 1975 when they decided to move to the United States.

They spend the next decades in North Carolina. Bettie returned to school and became an elementary school teacher. She and Ernst, Sr. enjoyed cooking and travel, returning often to Germany to visit family. In retirement, they spent winters in Scottsdale, Arizona and the remainder of the year in Rose Hill.

A lifelong member of the Presbyterian Church, Bettie was a dedicated member of the Mt. Zion Presbyterian Church in Rose Hill. She served her Lord in many capacities, always willing to help others and visit anyone who was sick or infirm. With a true sense of pride in her family, she enjoyed all family gatherings, especially the holidays. She exemplified the philosophies of a positive attitude in all she accomplished.

Friends and family are welcome at a service in the Mt. Zion Presbyterian Church of Rose Hill at 10:00 a.m. on Saturday, January 10, 2026. Interment in the Rose Hill Cemetery will follow the service. Padgett Funeral Home is proudly serving the Meyer family.