Bettie Ruth Mangum

Bettie Ruth Mangum, age 79, of Durham, NC, passed away August 17, 2026, at home following an extended illness.

Bettie was born on April 9, 1947, in Wilson, NC, a daughter of the late Thomas and Alberta Mitchell Taylor. She had been an area resident all her life.

Bettie first worked at American Tobacco before beginning a long career in health care as an LPN, She worked at the former Dorthea Dix / Central Regional Hospital before retiring from Duke Health systems in 2015. Additionally, she worked as a beautician, a model for Mitchell’s, and was an interior decorator for a short time.

She enjoyed indoor and outdoor plants and had a tasteful flair for decorating. She had quite the collection of shoes, of which she was very proud. Bettie also loved her many dogs throughout the years and will now be missed by her beloved Sebastian.

Bettie was a faithful member of Henderson Grove Baptist Church, where she served on the Board of Directors, sang in the Gospel and Inspirational Choirs and was always on call as the “Church Nurse”.

In addition to her parents, Bettie is predeceased by her grandson, Tavares. Bettie is survived by her daughter, Valeria (Stevie) Taylor-Turner, and her two sons, Robert Cannady (Beverly) and Cornell Lamont Cannady, all of Durham. She is also survived by her three sisters, Luetta Taylor Pitt, Shirley Taylor (Ricky), and Irma Ferrell as well as two brothers, Leon Taylor and William “Bill” Ferrell (Ida). Bettie is further survived by her ex-husband, Edward Mangum; grandchildren, Rachel, Christian, Zhorlond, Zasha, Alexis, Xavier and Elijah as well as several great grandchildren and many nieces and nephews.

Friends and family are invited to attend a Memorial Service at 2 PM on Saturday, August 29, 2026, at the Henderson Grove Baptist Church, 2806 Page Road, Morrisville, NC 27560 with Pastor Johnnie Bethea officiating. Family will be present to receive friends from 1:30 until time of Services at 2 PM in the Church.

Memorial Contributions may be made to the Durham Rescue Mission, www.durhamrescue mission.org