Elizabeth Hampton Harvey-Barbour, better known as “Betty,” was born in Long Branch, New Jersey, on April 13, 1926 and died at her home in West Long Branch on April 3, 2021, 10 days shy of her 95th birthday.
Betty was a lifelong member of St. Luke’s United Methodist Church where she was involved in all aspects of church life including the JAWS women’s group, Pastor Parish Relations, the building committee, and countless church dinners over many decades.
A class of 1944 graduate from Long Branch High School, after raising three children Betty worked at Monmouth Medical Center in Long Branch in a job she loved. All her life, she was an avid consumer of progressive politics and was a one-woman focus group on issues of local, national, and international importance. Widely admired and adored, described often as a “wonderful lady,” she always had a kind word or was engaged in a good deed supporting those around her. She loved Long Branch and made lifelong friends there. She will be remembered for cooking family holiday dinners at her home, especially her pumpkin and apple pies, and for the shining light she spread to all who encountered her.
She was predeceased by two wonderful husbands, John Eton Harvey and John Barbour, and her sister and brother-in-law Louise and Paul Lewis. Her near daily communications with her beloved sister were a source of strength for both.
She is survived by her son, John, and his wife, Sarah, her daughter, Judy, and her husband, Paul, and by Paul, her youngest son, who was dedicated to her care for the last several years. She is also survived by daughter Patty, 2 grandchildren, 3 great grandchildren and 15 nieces and nephews of multiple generations. Her home health aide, Sharon, spent a decade with Betty as an invaluable help to her and the entire family.
Betty was the epicenter of her family as well as the go-to person for care needed by family members. The rock that everyone relied on, she will be very much missed. She enjoyed a rich, full life with many friends and was well loved.
A Celebration of Life will be arranged in the future. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to St. Luke’s United Methodist Church, 535 Broadway, Long Branch, or to the Monmouth County SPCA, Eatontown; www.monmouthcountyspca.org. For messages of condolence, please visit Betty’s page of tributes at www.woolleyboglioli.com.