SHELBY- Betty Buddin Hooten, formerly of Wilmington, NC, passed away peacefully September 27, 2026, at the age of 80 at Testa Family Hospice House.

Born in Horry County on February 12, 1946, she was the daughter of the late William Harold Buddin and Iris Stanley Buddin. They moved to Wilmington, NC when Betty was an infant. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her beloved husband, James P. Hooten.

Betty worked at Belk Berry in Wilmington for many years. She was a devoted member of Grace United Methodist Church and North Carolina Sorosis of Wilmington until she moved to Shelby, NC to be with her daughter and family. She loved her church family, the UMW group and the ladies at Sorosis. Betty also enjoyed working in her yard, the beach (her happy place) and spending time with her family and friends.

She is survived by her daughter, Tana Edwards Wilkey and her husband Sidney; her step-sons Dr. James P. Hooten, Jr. and his wife Dr. Elizabeth Hooten, of Mebane, NC; Dr. Mark T. Hooten, and his wife Denise of Rock Hill, SC; and a brother William Ray Buddin of Wilmington, NC.

She is also survived by her grandchildren, Blake Wilkey (Peyton) of Shelby, NC; Taylor Hooten (Brittany) of Charlotte, NC; Parker Hooten (and his girlfriend, Hannah Peters) of Denver, Colorado; Davis Hooten (and his fiancé, Alexia Graziani) of Shelby Township, Michigan.

Her cherished great-grandchildren include Riverlynn Blake Wilkey and Malcolm Mark Hooten.

Betty also leaves behind a niece, Amy Dugdale and a nephew, Will Buddin and their families along with numerous cousins and friends who loved her deeply. Her family is deeply grateful for the love and kindness they shared with her.

Upon Betty’s request there will be no service or visitation. The family will have a private gathering at a later date.

In lieu of flowers donations can be made to St. Jude’s Children’s Hospital, Shriner’s Hospital for Children, VIA Hospice Partners of Cleveland County, 951 Wendover Heights Dr. Shelby, NC 28150; or to the Boiling Springs Fire and Rescue, P. O. Box 321, Boiling Springs, NC 28017.

Services are entrusted to Clay-Barnette Funeral Home & Aquamation Center www.claybarnette.com