With sadness we share the news of the death of the Rev. Elizabeth W. “Betsy” Myers, 91, on September 11, 2026. She was ordained to the priesthood on January 14, 1977, the 35th woman to be ordained a priest in The Episcopal Church and the first in her diocese.
After graduating from Smith College in 1957, Betsy had the curiosity and courage to enroll in what was then the Episcopal Theological School (now the Episcopal Divinity School), earning a Master of Divinity (M.Div.) degree in 1962, at a time when there was no reason to believe she would even be able to use the degree professionally or pursue ordination.
Betsy served the Episcopal Church in Navajoland and parishes in Virginia, Pennsylvania and Michigan, including nearly 20 years as Rector of the Church of the Good Shepherd and St. John in Milford, PA. Even while acknowledging her growing physical limitations, she continued to serve in the Diocese of Newark for over 20 years after retirement in a supply or temporary capacity, at parishes including St James’, Hackettstown; Christ Church, Budd Lake; Christ Church, Newton; and the Panther Valley Ecumenical Church.
Funny, down to earth, and deeply faithful, Betsy delighted in providing spiritual direction and counsel to the newly ordained. She always had a question to provoke thought and conversation, and her smile lit up the room.
Betsy was predeceased by her parents Elizabeth and Darwood Myers and her brother Howard Myers. She is survived by her sister Peggy Myers, niece Kimberly Myers Tucker, nephew-in-law David Tucker, great-niece Kara Tucker, and great-nephew John Tucker.
A liturgy celebrating Besty’s life will be held at St. James’, Hackettstown at 10 AM on Saturday, October 24, 2026. The Rev. Wayne Sherrer, Priest-in-Charge at St. James’, and the Rev. Lorna Woodham, Betsy’s close friend, will co-officiate. Bishop Hughes will be in attendance.
Clergy of all orders are invited to bring a white stole in lieu of full vesting.
Funeral arrangements have been entrusted to Cochran Funeral Home, 905 High St. Hackettstown, NJ 07840.
To those wishing to leave an online condolence may do so at, www.cochranfuneral.com/.
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