Betty Jane Simmons Crostic, 95, of Colonial Heights, went to be with her Lord and Savior on May 31, 2026. Born in Petersburg, VA on April 25, 1931, she was the beloved daughter of the late Henry Williams Simmons, Sr. and Eula Epps Hall Simmons. She will now spend eternal life with her Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. She will be with her beloved husband of 58 years, Clinton Scott Crostic, her loving parents; brother, Henry Simmons Jr., sister-in-law, Joyce Simmons; nephew, Russell Simmons and many other family members and friends.

Betty was known by many as “Nana Bet” even to those who were not her grandchildren or family. She was also known as “Cool Granny” by others. She excelled in her role as mother, grandmother and great grandmother. Her “effervescent” personality, radiant smile and “zest for life” defined her as she lived life to the fullest. Betty truly enjoyed people and it seemed as if she never met a stranger. She was a thoughtful and kind individual having a diverse array of friends. She treated all of them equally while respecting their differences. Betty was quite flamboyant and truly enjoyed hosting and attending social gatherings. Christmas was her favorite time of year and she was known to have as many as 12 themed Christmas trees in her home each year.

She loved her church family and the many friends, colleagues and clients she acquired throughout her real estate career of over 40 years. During her real-estate tenure, Betty was honored numerous times as a top producer and served on many committees with the Southside Virginia Association of Realtors. Prior to becoming a Realtor, Betty worked as staff and designer at Pickwick Flowers in Colonial Heights, a business that was owned by family. Many will remember her from assisting with general flower orders to include wedding and funeral flowers for their loved ones. She enjoyed travel within the continental USA as well as abroad.

She is survived by her beloved daughter, Deborah Crostic Whittle; her adored grandchildren, Joseph Scott Whittle (Jill) and Emily Whittle Frost (Jeremy), her very “special” great-grandchildren, Caroline Whittle, Landon Whittle; Meredith Frost and Campbell Frost. She is also survived by nephews, William Lucie and Jim Irving (Mary) and their families as well as three cousins, Jean Holland, Wayne Davis and Nancy Aldridge.

Betty was a faithful and devout member of Highland United Methodist Church having attended and participated there for most of her adult life after she was married. She was a dedicated member of the sanctuary choir and taught Sunday school for years. She also served on many committees for her church. Betty truly enjoyed singing and took part in quite a few theatrical, musical presentations as a singer at The Azalea of Delray Assisted Living and Memory Care in Delray Beach Florida, having last participated in a play in June of 2025. She was also very involved in the activities at the Azalea especially those that involved creativity, decorating, creative writing and socializing. She rarely missed an activity. Many thanks to the devoted staff of The Azalea at Delray who took excellent care of Betty since April of 2022 and to the Trustbridge Hospice Team of nurses who so graciously cared for her in her last days.

The family will receive friends from 10:45 a.m. to 12:00 noon. on Friday, June 12th, 2026 followed by a Celebration of Life Service at 12:00 noon at the Colonial Heights Chapel of the E. Alvin Small Funeral Homes, 2033 Boulevard, Colonial Heights, Virginia 23834 with the Reverend Joe Carson officiating. A private entombment to follow in Southlawn Memorial  Park in Prince George County, Virginia.

Flowers are welcomed or donations may be made to Highland United Methodist Church, Colonial Heights, VA 23834 or to a Hospice Organization of your choice.