Earlier this month, the Wilmington Ladies Tea Walk Chapter of the National Society Daughters of the American Revolution posthumously honored Garner native Elizabeth (Betty) Fredere Hicks Ingle with the “Woman of American History” award. Betty’s daughter-in-law Cindy Ingle, her granddaughter Whitney Bryant, and her sister Sandy McKeithen took part in the program and accepted the honor on behalf of Betty’s family.

The DAR Woman of American History honor is bestowed upon women who have made an outstanding contribution to their community. Betty was inducted into the NSDAR in 2002 and served as Organizing Chaplain of the Wilmington Ladies Tea Walk Chapter. A wife, mother and volunteer extraordinaire, Betty’s commitment to community service started in Garner and continued when she moved to Carolina Beach, NC. Betty was a member and Sunday school teacher at First Baptist Church in Carolina Beach, actively participated in the Meals on Wheels program and at different times served as Treasurer and President of the Women’s Missionary Union. She spent many hours sending out cards, visiting church members, preparing meals for the homeless and driving fellow members to appointments. Betty also donated her time and talents to the nonprofit Island of Lights organization, helping with both decorations and fundraising activities.

Betty Ingle passed away on November 14, 2009, but her spirit and love for the community lives on.