Kenneth Poe Funeral Services

June 5, 2018

CHARLOTTE - Mrs. Horne, 91, died June 5, 2018 at Southminster Retirement Community.    She was born in Griffin, Georgia on May 4, 1927, to Earle Evans Millican and Lillie Jefferson Millican.  Betty attended the University of Georgia and in 1946 married her childhood sweetheart, Frank D. Aiken III.  They moved to Charlotte where Frank became VP of Gas Fired Products. They started a family and were married for 25 wonderful years when Frank died unexpectedly in 1972. In 1974 Betty married Ben Grimes and they were married for 27 years. Following Ben’s death, Betty and Frank Horne Sr., a long-time friend, married in 2010 .   

Betty was a beautiful and talented southern lady. She was soft spoken and self-assured and enjoyed gardening, music, and playing the piano. Betty was gracious, poised, a wonderful hostess and cook—many of her recipes will be enjoyed for years to come. She was a devoted wife, mother, homemaker, and volunteer, serving for many years on the altar guild at St. John’s Episcopal Church. She also enjoyed an elegant and busy career as a fashion model and charter member of the professional organization for models, Mannequins of Charlotte. In an article from the Charlotte Observer, Betty and the other models were described as “some of Charlotte’s most beautiful women.” 

Betty is remembered by her family for her grace and resilience. She diligently cared for her family with humility, kindness and confidence. She had a comforting presence and quiet strength. They will miss Betty’s beautiful smile and the sparkle in her eye. 

Betty was preceded in death by her parents, her son, Frank D. ‘Wody’ Aiken IV and son-in-law, Richard, “Butch” Bridgforth, III. She is survived by her husband, Frank Horne, Sr. and daughter, Peggy Bridgforth; grandchildren, Maggie Bartlett and husband, Travis; Bass and Austin Bridgforth; Frank Aiken and wife, Jenna, Michael Aiken and wife Christy; sister, Eleanor Frye and brother, Earl Millican. She is also survived by stepsons, Ben Grimes and wife, Patsy; Jack Grimes and wife, Linda, Randy Grimes and wife, Dawn, Frank Horne, Jr. and wife Peggy, and stepdaughter Anne Dooley and husband Bob. Also, 17 grandchildren and 15 great-grandchildren. 

The family would like to thank Janice Hart and Issatou Barry for their invaluable love, care and support they have provided over the years. Thank you also to Southminster Healthcare and Hospice and Palliative Care of Charlotte for your care and support. 

A memorial service will be held at 2:00 PM on Monday, June 11, 2018 at Christ Episcopal Church. The family will receive friends following the service in the Blue Room.

Memorials to Thompson Child and Family Focus, 6800 St. Peter’s Lane, Matthews, NC 28105 or Christ Episcopal Church Foundation 1412 Providence Road Charlotte, NC 28207.

Arrangements are in the care of Kenneth Poe Funeral & Cremation Service, 1321 Berkeley Ave., Charlotte, NC 28204; (704) 641-7606. Online condolences can be shared at www.kennethpoeservices.com.