Retired pediatric nurse Betty F. Allen, RN, passed away on Thursday, December 17 from non-COVID-19 related issues. Betty grew up in Pittsboro, NC and graduated from Watt’s School of Nursing in Durham, NC in 1974.
Betty served as a nurse for 46 years with a special interest in the neuroscience field. She retired from UNC on April 1, 2020 after nearly 30 years of dedicated service within the division of child neurology.
“Betty was truly the heart and soul of the child neurology division. Patients and families just loved her and her colleagues relied on her because she was always ready to help with a smile and kind word. She left a huge void in the division when she retired and her sudden loss is devastating to those who knew her,” shared Dr. Chon Lee, Child Neurology Division Chief.
Betty is survived by her son, Lloyd Kim III “Han”; sister, Cathy Penny; and her two nephews, Scott and Troy Penny. She is also survived by her partner, Jason Warren.
A celebration of life will be held on Saturday, January 2, 2021 at 11:00 a.m. at Clements Funeral Home in Durham.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Child Neurology at UNC Chapel Hill. Donate online or by mail to: UNC Health Foundation, 123 W. Franklin Street, Suite 510, Chapel Hill, NC 27516.
Betty’s online obituary appears on the Clements Funeral & Cremation Services website where condolences may be left for family and friends.
Betty’s bright light and dedication to patient care as described by her colleagues:
“The more I got to know Betty, the more respect and amazement I had for her. She was always so humble, but yet she was one of the most beautiful, loving, and brilliant human beings I have ever known. She brought out the best from everyone who was lucky enough crossed path with her. She will be dearly missed.”
Jane Fan, MD
“Betty was dearly loved and appreciated by anyone whose life was blessed to cross paths with hers. During years of work with Betty in the child neurology clinic, I saw the daily stream of patients and their families, medical staff, and other co-workers stop by her desk for a ray of sunshine in their day. We were all blessed to know Betty, a beautiful person with endless kindness, humor, wisdom and generosity. She will be sorely missed.“
Yael Shiloh-Malawsky, MD
“One of our former patients said ‘Betty’s smile and personality would brighten up even the darkest day.’ That is exactly how I feel. I’ll miss her upbeat personality, smiles, insight, and our talks in clinic. I don’t think I will be able to walk down the back hall of the children’s clinic without looking for Betty and listening for her laugh.”
Carolyn Zook-Lewis, MSN, CPNP-PC/AC, PMHS
“Betty was an amazing combination of warmth and knowledge. She was a guiding light for parents, trainees and new physicians who were trying to navigate a complex medical system. And she did so with grace, humor, and humility. Those who of us who were blessed to know Betty grew to love her. She will truly be missed.”
Senyene E. Hunter, MD, PhD
“Betty had a gift of making everyone feel special. She was not only a neurology nurse, but also a nurturer and a noble spirit who helped heal patients. May she rest in peace.”
O’Neill D’Cruz, MD, MBA, FAAN
“When I joined the faculty in the summer of 2004, Betty was already well established in the clinic. Patients were booked to see one of us docs, but most of the time what they really wanted was time to catch up with Betty to let her know just how things were going. What an amazing person!”
Spencer Weig, MD
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