Obituaries

Ann (Betsy) Layne Redman

On April 19, 2023, we lost Ann (Betsy) Layne Redman. She was born in Newport News, VA. on August 25, 1939, to Angela and Earl Layne.  She was raised in Newport News, graduating from Warwick High School in 1958. There was not a warm day that you would not find Betsy soaking up the sun; whether it be at the pool, their deck at home, or their place on Colington Creek on the sound side of Kill Devil Hills. That was her forever happy place. She went as often as she could convince Dad to take her, which he did whenever she asked.

Betsy worked in the Newport News Public School system for many years at Ferguson High School and Warwick High School. She was a cheerleading coach at Ferguson, which was her favorite part of the job, retiring in 2001. Betsy led an active social life, especially her time in the Junior Women’s Club of Hilton Village. She never met a stranger and knew people wherever she went. Betsy played Bridge every week with the same ladies for over 50 years. She never missed her weekly hair appointment unless she was very ill. We would often tell her to pretend some appointments were hair appointments, so she would be motivated to go.

Betsy was predeceased by her parents; her sister, Kacky Hanna (John); and her oldest daughter, Kimberly Redman Ross.

Betsy is survived by her devoted husband of 61 years, Donald (Bruce) Redman; their daughter, Karen Redman Cofer (Joe); six grandchildren, Sean Redman (Maria), Stephanie Geisler (Remington), Lauren Burns (Josh), Taylor Byrne (Jake), Andrew Smith (Kathleen) and Brandon Cofer; along with eight great-grandchildren.

She was blessed with a wonderful, caring extended family, who we cannot thank enough for their support and assistance through her long illnesses and challenges. Through it all, she lived life to the fullest!

A memorial service will be held Saturday, April 29, 2023, 2:00 pm at Christ United Methodist Church (133 Deep Creek Road, Newport News, VA 23606). A reception will follow at the church. All are welcome.

6 Comments

  1. Sue Redman-Kamm

    She will be missed for sure. She was always cheerful with me when I visited, even during her physical trials. Prayers and hugs for her husband, my cousin-in-law, Bruce.

  2. Tina Newton

    I remember Ms. Redman from Ferguson! (Showing my age) More recently, she was a friend at the WYCC and I always enjoyed chatting with her by the pool with her fabulous tan. She will really be missed by her pool friends and all of us that had the pleasure of her company at the WYCC.

  3. Anne Stiles

    Betsy was a wonderful person and friend. We graduated high school together and stayed friends even when I moved away. She was always upbeat even during her illness. I will miss her every day! Thoughts and prayers with Bruce and family.

  4. Bob & Sandy Lehman

    Bruce, we are so sorry for your loss. Betsy was always a joy to be around and laughed easily. You are in our prayers

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