Betty Riddick Neyer was kind, generous, curious, and always ready for her next adventure. Whether she was exploring a National Park, creating a scrapbook, learning a new dance, or simply offering a kind word, Betty found joy in life and loved sharing that joy with others.

Betty Riddick Neyer, born May 7, 1950, passed away peacefully on July 15, 2026.

Born in Norfolk, Virginia, Betty was the daughter of William Benjamin Riddick and Doris Jean Glasgow Riddick. She attended Radford College before earning her bachelor’s degree from Old Dominion University and her master’s degree from Florida State University. She then built a successful career spanning more than 30 years at Florida State College at Jacksonville.

Throughout her career, Betty was respected for her intelligence, determination, and ability to solve complex problems. One of her proudest accomplishments was leading the successful overhaul of the college’s payroll system, despite having no previous experience with a project of that size. Those who worked with Betty knew that if there was a problem to solve, she would find a way.

Betty had a creative spirit and loved preserving memories through scrapbooking, painting, collage, and other artistic projects. She loved to laugh, loved to dance, and was never afraid to try something new. Often, that meant pulling up a dance tutorial on YouTube and practicing with family until everyone was laughing—and Betty had it down.

She was preceded in death by her beloved husband of 47 years, Francis Robert “Bob” Neyer, whom she affectionately called her “Prince Charming.” She and Bob loved to travel, and after retirement, they spent five years exploring the country in their RV. Together, they visited all 419 National Park Service sites that existed at the time, plus six additional sites added after they completed their journey. Along the way, they explored dozens of countries, developed a passion for birding and wildlife photography, and shared many of their adventures through their YouTube channel.

Their favorite destinations included Katmai National Park & Preserve and Badlands National Park, while Everglades National Park marked the completion of their remarkable journey. In January 2020, they received the National Park Travelers Club Platinum Lifetime Achievement Award in recognition of their accomplishment.

Betty’s faith was a cornerstone of her life. She loved worshipping at the Church of Eleven22 and rarely missed the opportunity to sing, whether she was there in person or watching from home. She also deeply appreciated the people God placed in her life. Cindy Fuss was not only Betty’s sister-in-law but also her best friend, and losing her earlier this year was another profound loss. Following Bob’s passing, Betty remained especially grateful for the love and support of her brother-in-law, Mark Neyer, whose kindness, generosity, and steadfast friendship meant the world to her.

Above all, Betty will be remembered for the way she made people feel. She had a way of making everyone feel welcome and cared for, and her kindness showed up in countless quiet ways that will be remembered by everyone who knew her.

She is survived by her son, Robert Benjamin Neyer, and Alycia Bradley of St. Augustine, Florida; her brothers, William Benjamin Riddick Jr. of Grandy, North Carolina, and Franklin Thomas Riddick and Pamela Riddick of Currituck, North Carolina; along with many extended family members, dear friends, and her cherished granddog, Petey.

A private memorial service will be held for family and close friends.

Betty’s motto was, “The world awaits!” It wasn’t just her email signature—it was how she lived her life.

Her family finds comfort in knowing she is reunited with her Prince Charming. The kindness, curiosity, and joy she shared with so many will live on in the lives of those who knew and loved her.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that memorial donations be made to the Alzheimer’s Association or to an organization dedicated to preserving America’s National Parks, honoring Betty’s lifelong love of learning, exploration, and the natural world.