A special lady is at peace in her heavenly home. Betty Mae James Spitzer of Broadway, Virginia passed away on April 8, 2011. Betty Mae was 78 years old. One of three children, she was born in State Road, North Carolina on March 19, 1933 to Reverend and Mrs. Lawnie Jackson Brown, Sr. In her teen years she moved with her family to the Loudoun County area where she met and later married husband William "Lee" James. Together they were blessed with seven children.

Although busy caring for her husband and children, she always made time for family and friends. A nurturing person by nature, she welcomed those in need into her home; lovingly caring for each one. As the children grew older, she found excitement in other interests.....learning to drive, proudly showing off her driver's license; earning her GED; shopping; going to Charles Town to try her hand at the slot machines and going to the beach. Upon the marriage of each of her children, the spouses were fondly welcomed into the family. An excellent cook, she patiently shared her cooking skills with her daughter-in-laws; that they might prepare the meals "just like momma cooked them". Always one to find a bargain, she shared her shopping skills with her daughters and daughter-in-laws. When they were not available to go with her, she invited her granddaughters to go with her. Betty Mae made friends easily and loved spending time with them. When she needed something more to fill her time, Betty found enjoyment working with preschool children as a teacher's aide at the Lucketts Community Center.

After the death of her first husband, Lee, Betty Mae moved to Broadway, Virginia. There she met and married her second husband, Bill Spitzer. Her friendly nature soon had her knowing most of the residents of Broadway. Once again, she found her way back to doing what she loved; working with children in a preschool. She was given a gift of two kittens, Karleigh and Kendal, who grew to bring great pleasure and contentment after the death of her second husband.

Although she struggled through the illness of cancer, she never complained or let it stop her from enjoying life. Keeping her upbeat attitude she continued to bring joy to those around her. Her final wishes were not for herself, but for her loved ones. That they might have a closer walk with God; that when their time on earth is over, she can stand at Heaven's Gates to welcome them in with open arms.

Betty Mae James Spitzer was a marvelous lady as anyone who knew her can attest to. She will be dearly missed by all who knew and loved her. But her memories will continue to live on by her surviving children: Roger James, Larry James, Patricia "Patty" Jenkins, Frank James, Cheryl James, Timmy James and Kevin James and each of their spouses; 19 grandchildren; 19 great grandchildren; and brother, L.J. Brown, Jr. Along with both spouses, she was predeceased by her parents Esther Lonnie (Carter) and Rev. Lawnie Jackson Brown, Sr. and sister Evelyn Spinks.

Family will receive friends on Tuesday, April 12, 2011 from
6-8 pm at Colonial Funeral Home, where funeral services will be on Wednesday, April 13, 2011 at 11:00 am. Interment will follow at Lakeview Cemetery in Hamilton, VA. A reception will follow at the Harmony Hall (behind the Hamilton Fire Dept.) in Hamilton, VA. In lieu of flowers memorial donations may be sent to the American Cancer Society, National Capital Region, 124 Park Street, SE, Vienna, VA 22180.