Bessie “Elizabeth” Amelia (nee Graham) Lovern died quietly on Sunday May 1 at Lifecare Center of Hendersonville with her sons and daughter-in-law at her bedside. Butzy, as she was called by friends and family, was born December 11, 1931 in Barrington, NJ to her father Valentine and mother May Neal. The youngest of four children, Butzy grew up during the depression and was cared for by her oldest sister when her parents died early in her life. She learned to appreciate simpler times and hard work, and often talked about her life and struggles as a child and young adult.
Elizabeth is survived by her husband of 70 years, Charles Thomas Lovern, her three sons Tom (Nina), John (Nancy) and David all in Hendersonville, her five grandchildren Joshua (Deborah) in Oregon, Jared in Montana, Lauren (Jack) in South Carolina, Sean, and Nathan in Hendersonville, and 4 great grandchildren – Jakob, Kaylee, Evan, and Audrey.
Butzy worked for 13 years in the Barrington public school system as a cafeteria aide and enjoyed her job and the children she saw daily. She loved camping and canoeing trips in the Jersey Pine Barrens with family and friends, fishing and crabbing, the sounds of geese and Spring Peepers, flowers (especially zinnias) and vegetable gardening. She taught her sons the appreciation of knowledge, wisdom, art and nature. She enjoyed dancing and listening to music, especially her sons playing rock music and piano for her. She and her family moved to Hendersonville in 1986. A fond memory of hers was weekend family picnics at Sycamore Flats in Pisgah Forest. She will be remembered for her great pineapple upside down cheesecakes, her sayings such as “this too shall pass,” and her kindness and generosity towards people who were in need of help and a caring word. She had a kind heart and empathy for those who faced life challenges because she always said we’re all God’s children and need to feel love.
Final arrangements are made with Jackson Funeral Services. A private celebration of Butzy’s life is planned for a later date. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Four Season’s Hospice, 571 South Allen Rd, Flat Rock, NC 28731.