Elizabeth “Betsy” Ligon Harris October 15, 1949 - May 17, 2019
Elizabeth “Betsy” Ligon Harris died Friday, May 17th, 2019 at Good Samaritan Hospital in Puyallup, following a brief battle with Ovarian cancer. She was 69 years old. Betsy is survived by her brother in law, Jack Westerfield; her two nephews, Steve and Scott Westerfield; her labradoodle Tobey; and many close friends. Born and raised in Quincy Illinois, on October 15th, 1949, the daughter of Dorothy and Alan Ligon. Betsy graduated from Steven Decatur High School in 1967, and went on to earn her Bachelor in Education at the University of Illinois, where she met her future husband of 12 years, Steve Harris. She would later go on to earn a Master’s in Business Administration at Emery University, in 1982.
In 1985, she started work as a junior level manager at First Atlanta Bank, which would soon merge with Wachovia Bank. During her time there, she paved the way for women in the work place, often being the only female manager in board meetings for many years. Her willingness to speak up and incredible intelligence earned her a senior management position within a few years, breaking through the glass ceiling in a traditionally male corporate environment. She directly supervised the banks’ IT Department, including its Y2K readiness, and retired in 2005.After moving to Winston-Salem from Atlanta, and residing there for many years, she retired and moved to Eatonville Washington, to be closer to her sister, Linda Westerfield, and nephews, Steve and Scott. Betsy was active in her community, lending her ample management experience to the Mountain Community Co-Op in her new home of Eatonville. Some of her favorite memories were time spent with her grand nephews, Casey and Nate Westerfield, sons of Steve and Kathryn Westerfield. She enjoyed having them over to her home, and visiting them whenever possible.
Betsy celebrated her life each day, whenever she interacted with a close friend or loved one. She was never afraid to speak her mind, and will be dearly missed. The celebration of her life will be held at the United Methodist Church in Eatonville, Washington, on July 13th, from 1 to 3 PM. In lieu of flowers, please make a donation in Betsy’s name to Planned Parenthood.
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