Obituary of Elizabeth McCreary

Betty McCreary (Mrs. Pierce Newberry McCreary) died peacefully on May 24, 2016 in Carlsbad, California. A long time resident of Larchmont, New York, she was born in El Paso, Texas, to Mr. and Mrs. Louis Herman Smith (Elizabeth Marks). The elder twin to Lou, they grew up in the desert town enjoying the warm climate and playing lots of tennis. In their youth they became the South West Tennis Doubles Champions. Betty attended St. Clements Episcopal Church, the church that her grandfather, Samuel Clarke Marks, helped to establish, after the family left Canada for America. Betty graduated from Austin High School and went on to Texas State College for Women in Denton, Texas. At a college dance she met her future husband, Pierce Newberry McCreary, of Chicago, who was stationed in Texas during WW II. They were married at the "Little Chapel in the Woods," on campus and soon moved to the East Coast. After Pierce graduated from Yale University, they moved to Charlottesville, Va. While Pierce was in Law School at U.V.A., Betty continued to play tennis at Farmington Country Club, and became the Virginia State Women's Doubles Champion. After Law School they moved to Larchmont, New York, where Betty continued to play tennis, bridge, and sailing at the Larchmont Yacht Club. She was past Treasure of the Larchmont Public Library, active in the Woman's Club of Larchmont and on the Altar Guild at St. John's Church. Betty was instrumental in establishing the Youth Employment Service for the Junior League. When her children were grown, she embarked on a 30 year career at H. & R. Block teaching a Tax Course to professionals as well as being a Tax Preparer during Tax season. In 2006, Betty retired to La Costa Glen in California and enjoyed her final years in the retirement community. Betty is survived by her three children, Catherine Marks McCreary Strauch, Pierce Newberry McCreary, Jr., James Bennett McCreary, their spouses, three grandchildren, Jacqueline, Jan, Pierce James and her twin Lou. She was predeceased by her husband of 53 years, Pierce who died in 2000. A Memorial Service will be held on Saturday June 18th at 11:00 AM at St. John's Episcopal Church 4 W Fountain Square Larchmont, NY 10538