Willis A. & Elizabeth "Betsy" Y. Holding, Jr.
The Presbyterian Homes Foundation, Inc. (dba Brightspire Foundation) is pleased to announce a generous gift of over $32,000 from former residents, Willis A. and Elizabeth "Betsy" Y. Holding, Jr. Their gift has been placed in Glenaire's Micou Browne Endowment, which provides resident financial assistance.
Willis was born in Mount Pleasant, TN on August 31, 1916 and Betsy was born in Raleigh, NC September 24, 1926. Willis, a graduate of Duke University, held a degree in political science and retired as the Director of the State of North Carolina Division of Purchase and Contract. Betsy, a graduate of NC State, held a degree in Architectural Engineering, though she never utilized the degree professionally, she worked for the Board of Education, in bookkeeping, until she and Willis married.
The couple met in downtown Raleigh, where they both worked. They saw each other in passing and this eventually led to conversations, spending time together and a loving marriage of 43 years.
Among the things they enjoyed, Betsy and Willis were very athletic. In college, Betsy was on the cheerleading squad — the very first squad at NC State to have women cheerleaders. While attending Duke University, Willis played on the baseball team. They also shared a love of jazz music. Betsy adored design, specifically furniture design. She even designed a piece of furniture for their home, in North Hills, Raleigh, and they took it with them when they moved to Glenaire.
Betsy and Willis moved to Glenaire in 2001. Willis was in declining health and he wanted to be sure Betsy would be taken care of, and it was important for Betsy that she not become a burden to her family. "It made her feel good knowing she had that independence. They loved living there — it was such a blessing," shares Beth Morgan, Betsy's niece.
"While we were saddened to see Willis pass so shortly after moving to Glenaire, Betsy flourished in her fifteen years here, made many good friends and loved her home. It is touching that their desire was to provide a gift that would benefit the lives of future residents who lack the ability to pay for their full cost of care," states Paul Gregg, Executive Director of Glenaire.
Have You Thought About Creating Your Personal Legacy at Glenaire?
Current and future gifts to The Presbyterian Homes Foundation, Inc. (dba Brightspire Foundation) can be earmarked to support Glenaire in a way that reflects your personal philanthropic goals and priorities. If you would like to discuss the possibility of including The Presbyterian Homes Foundation, Inc. (dba Brightspire Foundation) and Glenaire in your planning, please contact Marisa Ray at (336) 886-6553, Ext. 5118 or mray@brightspire.org. You may also wish to visit presbyhomesinc.mylegacygift.org for additional information and to view stories that highlight recent estate gifts received by the Foundation. Those who have made provisions to include the Foundation and Glenaire in their estate plans qualify for membership to the Glenaire Society.