Betsy Brian Rollins

Betsy Brian Rollins, 88, died May 10 in Duke Hospital following a brief illness. Born March 20, 1937 in Detroit, though raised in Raleigh, she was the daughter of the late Blanche (Barringer) and Earl W. Brian, M.D. Betsy was a graduate of Broughton High School and Duke University.

A revered, award-winning community leader and advocate for the hungry, Betsy, along with the late Rev. Thomas Midyette, was the impetus for starting the St. Philip’s Community Kitchen (now Urban Ministries of Durham). She became its first director and remained almost 20 years until retirement in 1999. With a tenacious work ethic, Betsy was boots-on-the-ground, regularly sacrificing holidays to keep the Kitchen running. During her tenure, the organization grew to serving over 600 daily meals. In 1983, with active backing from NC Sen. Jesse Helms and Vice President George Bush, Betsy was appointed by President Ronald Reagan to the Presidential Task Force on Food Assistance, whose mandate was "to examine the extent of America's hunger problem, to determine its causes and to recommend specific solutions.”

Betsy was a devoted parishioner of St. Philip’s Episcopal Church and a longtime volunteer in the church office as receptionist and greeter. Having been born prematurely with visual impairment, Betsy was an ardent supporter of the Duke Eye Center and an advocate for the visually disabled. A devotee of theatre, for years Betsy had front-row season tickets at Raleigh’s North Carolina Theatre, where she was a beloved fixture and major contributor to NC Theatre and its Conservatory.

An admirer of the arts, Betsy loved music, especially opera. Growing up, she would listen on the radio each Saturday to live broadcasts at the Met. Her knowledge of opera was encyclopedic; she could recite lines of best-known arias, and converse in detail of artists and composers. She mastered the piano beautifully. Betsy adored dogs and always had a faithful companion or two in her household. A bon vivant with impeccable taste, travel was her favorite pastime. She made countless trips with husband Don on the QE II, where she befriended several captains and crew, and loved dressing to the nines on formal nights. Betsy was particularly captivated by Russia and made excursions to many other European countries. At heart Betsy was an anglophile, always eager for a junket to England, usually to join her dear Oxfordshire friends, Shirley and Colin Armitage. She was a natural people collector and made friends literally around the globe. Never wanting to miss out on any social gathering or fun, Betsy could hold court until the wee hours, then arise at the crack of dawn to hit the ground running.

Betsy Rollins was a truly singular woman, unique and unforgettable. Never one to sit still, she had boundless energy and enthusiasm, expressed in her work, relationships and endless endeavors arising from her insatiable curiosity. Despite lifelong near blindness and many health setbacks, Betsy pressed on with unbridled determination; she was unstoppable, never pitying herself nor refusing a challenge. She always had some project in the works until the very end. Via her vital social, business and political connections, she could make almost anything happen….and God knows, she packed many lives into one!

Unapologetically herself, Betsy could work a room like few others with her radiant presence and social ease, complemented by a loud and distinctive voice and cackling laughter. Well-bred and dignified, she also had a mischievous and hilarious (sometimes bawdy) side contributing to her overall appeal and charm. Many took delight in banter with her, launching the affectionate monikers, “Mizz Betsy or Mother Superior.” Betsy possessed a mastery of the art of friendship and filled her own and others’ lives with joy and great humor.

In the wake of her death, the most cited characteristic of Betsy Rollins’ life is of her extraordinary kindness. “Heart of Gold” has been quoted repeatedly. Deeply intuitive and sensitive, Betsy had a sixth sense about the marginalized or the hurt who needed attention. Her generosity and love included everyone. In the words of a neighbor, “I was fortunate to know Betsy the last 10 years. She was not only a neighbor but became a close friend. Betsy always remembered birthdays, holidays and illnesses, and truly cared. She showed her appreciation for small acts of kindness with words, often accompanied by lovely gifts. Everyone – especially those who benefited from her help - showered her with love when they saw her. I will never forget this intelligent, wise, soft-hearted and loving friend.”

Betsy is survived by her son, Mark A. Rollins of Raleigh; her granddaughter Jillian Walker, B.S.N.; a great granddaughter, Alexandra; and twin sister, Leigh Brian Cooper. She was predeceased by her husband, Donald C. Rollins, and brother, Earl W. Brian, Jr. M.D.

Friends will be received from 6-8 PM Thursday at Hall-Wynne Funeral Service. The funeral liturgy will be offered 11:00 AM Friday from St. Philip’s Episcopal Church, with a reception to follow in the parish hall. Cremation will follow the funeral with a private interment in the columbarium of St. Philip’s Church. Gifts in Betsy’s memory may be made to St. Philip’s Episcopal Church or Urban Ministries of Durham.

Link to watch funeral online. https://youtube.com/@st.philipsepiscopalchurchd9886?si=fFxwrVAg-WQbMf63

Then the righteous will answer him, ‘Lord, when did we see you hungry and feed you, or thirsty and give you something to drink? When did we see you a stranger and invite you in, or needing clothes and clothe you? When did we see you sick or in prison and go to visit you?’ The King will reply, ‘Truly I tell you, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers and sisters of mine, you did for me.” – St. Matthew 25: 37-40