Elizabeth "Betty" Wild—Marshall's first woman Mayor—devoted Catholic, sister, mom, grandma and great-grandma died January 26, one day short of her 92nd birthday.

She was involved in politics for over 25 years in her home state of Michigan before moving to Marshall, North Carolina, with her husband, Lewis Wild. She soon became a well-known political figure in Western North Carolina, eventually running for town mayor against a two-time incumbent.

Despite the fact that she was running for political office as an outsider, woman and Catholic, she was thoroughly committed to her mission. She campaigned door to door in the community, knocking on homes and sharing her vision of what Marshall could be with her leading it.

And it worked. In November 1983, she unseated the local, two-time incumbent and became Marshall's first woman mayor.

She served in that role from 1983 to 1985 and guided the town of Marshall through an especially tumultuous time with a steady hand and straightforward transparency. It was far from easy and the responsibility of the position wore on her, but she stayed the course. Her distinct, authentic leadership style was a much-needed breath of fresh air in the political arena and united people from all walks of life toward a common purpose. And Marshall was the better for it.

After all, she "loved a good fuss" and enjoyed a challenge whenever one presented itself. Because anyone who knew Betty Wild knew she lived her life according to her principles. And they knew that Betty refused to stray from her values—fierce honesty, unshakeable integrity, unwavering loyalty and a focused commitment to helping others.

She was not going to be stopped in her pursuit. Because Betty Wild was a Godly woman who could raise hell, but always for a good purpose.

She was a Mayor, business owner, ceramics teacher, artist and the owner of a Cherry Red Mustang with an airbrushed "Hey Kiddo" on the front license plate. She ran a swimming pool, local arcade and began a drug awareness program for kids—for whom she had a soft spot.

Betty Wild was a force of nature, quick with a smile but unrelenting in her principles.

She married the love of her life, Lewis Wild, at the age of 18 and spent 60 beautiful years with him. Together, they helped raise three daughters, six grandchildren and four great-grandchildren. She would speak about how grateful she was for her friends, family and the life she lived.

So it is with heavy hearts and tear-streaked faces that we say goodbye to the Matriarch of our family.

Thank you for leading us, loving us, and strengthening us.

Please save us a nice seat on a sunny porch up there. We'll see you again one day.

- Us

Betty is survived by her daughters and their families: Barbara Wild (Richard Scott) and grandchildren Mairghread Scott (Jason Enright) and great-grandson Corran Scott, and Mariah Scott; Dianna "Dee" Pierce (John) and grandchildren Ben (Anna Claire) Jackson, Lauren Flickinger (Brian) and great-grandchildren Mary and Henry Flickinger, Sim Jackson and Spencer Pierce; Margaret Chandler (Tim) and grandchildren Lewis Chandler and great-granddaughter Elizabeth, Renee Chandler and great-grandchildren Skyler, Storm and Rayne; special friends Vicki Fedor and Jeannie and Chuck Blethen, and longtime friends and family.

A funeral mass will be held at 11 a.m, Saturday, February 15 at St. Andrew the Apostle Church, 149 Brook St., Mars Hill. There will be a reception following the mass.

The family would like to give a very special thank you to the wonderful and caring staff at Elderberry Healthcare:

https://www.elderberryhealthcare.com.

In lieu of flowers, the family suggests a donation to Beacon of Hope, P.O. Box 877, Marshall, NC 28753:https://bohmarshall.org

Online condolences may be sent to the family at www.blueridgefuneralservice.org