Betty Rae-Celia Sterling, of Crisfield, passed away Saturday, June 8, 2024 at the home of her son in Crisfield just a few weeks shy of her 93rd birthday.

Born in Crisfield on June 28, 1931, she was a daughter of the late Vernon and Cecil Mae Clark Tawes.  Her husband, Leon "Flea Bait" Sterling, preceded her in death on November 13, 1997.

She was a seamstress in her earlier years and most recently was a CNA caregiver for the elderly.  She was a member of Siloam House of Fellowship in Eden for the past 20 years.

Betty was a wonderful mother who loved cooking, family get-togethers and doting on her grandchildren and great-grandchildren.  She was an avid cross-country skier and loved to travel.  Whether traveling cross-country to the west coast via AMTRAK, or flying around the world, she loved it all.

She is survived by three children, Dixie Thomas and husband Johnny of Salisbury, David Dize and wife Barbara of Crisfield, and Vernon Sterling of Salisbury; daughter-in-law, Becky Sterling of Marion Station; brother, Vernon "Junie" Tawes and wife Irmgard of Princess Anne; grandchildren, Lee Thomas and wife Fair and their daughter Frankie; Melanie Hunt and husband Mike and their children Josh, Zach and Gabby; Stephanie Thomas; Christopher Dize and wife Iryna and their children Lucy and Leon; Paula Dize and her son Chase; Sarah Dize; Chasity Sterling and husband Matt and their sons, Matthew, Micah and Caleb; Anthony Sterling and wife Megan and their children Hunter, Kaylee and Liam; Gabriel Sterling; and Sophia Sterling; and many nieces, nephews, and church friends.

In addition to her parents and husband, she was preceded in death by a son, Anthony "Tony" Sterling; a granddaughter, Jennifer Dize; and her siblings, Randall Tawes, Lawrence Tawes, Idella Tyler, Linwood Tawes, Benson "Tucker" Tawes, Doris McDorman, Mary Frances Elliott, twins that passed in childhood, Benson and Doris, and a baby, Vernon.

A memorial service will be held Thursday, June 13, 2024 at 2 PM at Siloam House of Worship where a visitation will be one hour prior from 1-2PM.  Rev. Danny Travers will officiate.  Urn interment will be at a later date in Sunnyridge Memorial Park.

Arrangements are in the care of Bradshaw & Sons Funeral Home.  To send condolences, please visit www.bradshawandsonsfuneralhome.com