Betty Ladd Nifong

Betty Ladd Nifong, 99, of Durham, North Carolina, passed away Wednesday, September 16, 2026. Betty was born on April 23, 1927, to the late Clarence and Gertrude Ladd.

In addition to her parents, Betty is preceded in death by her husband, Russell Nifong, her sister, Pat Gaster, her grandson, Adam Brent Fields, son in law, Ronnie Fields, and daughter in law, Linda Nifong.

She is survived by her son, Ricky Nifong; her daughter, Susan Fields; her grandchildren, Kimberly Mitchell (John), Phillip Nifong (Heather), and Shelley Whitehead (Kelley); her great grandchildren Josh Mitchell (Lauren), Haylee Tooley (Josh), Ashleigh Mitchell, Taylor Nifong (Grace), Bradey Nifong, Camden Fields, and Londyn Whitehead; as well as great-great grandchildren Marlee Tooley, True Tooley, Airlie Mitchell, and Cecilia Mitchell and her brother, Eddie Ladd (Ann).

Betty lived in Durham her entire life, where she worked at American Tobacco as a machinist, retiring after over 35 years. She was never known to miss a single day of work. She was also a devoted member of Sherron Acres Free Will Baptist Church, joining when she was a small child and later as an adult teaching Sunday school for over 40 years.

Betty enjoyed spending summers at Kerr Lake, striped bass fishing and spending time with family on the water. She also enjoyed traveling south to Florida in the months after Christmas to escape the cold North Carolina winters.

Betty was hardworking, determined, and dependable. She was a woman of her word – when she said she was going to do something; she would do it no matter what. She was also caring and smart, and raised her family in an excellent, happy home. Her strong will, reliability, and love for her family will live on in all that knew her.

A funeral service will be held Saturday, September 19, 2026, at 11:00 a.m. at Hudson Funeral Home. Reverend Cam Ford will officiate. Visitation will also be at Hudson Funeral Home, beginning at 10:00 a.m. Saturday, September 19, 2026.