Written by: JoAnn Lindfors, Philanthropy Communications and Stewardship Associate
Gail Roberts lovingly shared the story of her mother, Betty Prentice, whose quiet yet powerful contributions helped shape the early days of Givens Highland Farms and left a lasting legacy across Givens Communities.
Betty Prentice played an active behind-the-scenes role in the early days at Givens Highland Farms, where her then-husband, Chet Prentice, was one of the original builders. While Chet helped lay the physical foundation for what Highland Farms would become, Betty contributed to the community in her own meaningful ways, leading exercise classes and training the cleaning staff on campus.
Originally from Lancaster, Pennsylvania, Betty met Chet there before they relocated to the Western North Carolina area with a shared vision to help establish a retirement community. Gail Roberts shared that Chet began developing Highland Farms in the 1970’s while Betty, a physical education teacher by profession, brought her passion for wellness to the community during that time.
After her divorce, Betty moved to Givens Estates and settled into the very first Villa built on the Givens Estates campus, making Betty one of its very first residents where she lived until the age of 101. Betty embraced her new home on the Givens Estates campus with enthusiasm, especially enjoying the serene view of the pond and the geese from her Villa. Her flower garden at Givens Estates became her pride and joy and a peaceful retreat where she spent countless hours.
The gardening legacy continues at both Givens Estates and Givens Highland Farms. The garden at Givens Highland Farms was originally started by Gail Roberts’ grandparents, the Limberts, and Betty’s grandchildren still tend to it from time to time, keeping her spirit alive on the campus she helped shape.
Pictured here is Gail Roberts seated beside the stone fountain designed by her father, Chet Prentice, for the Health Care Center courtyard at Givens Highland Farms. Gail is holding a photo of her mother, Betty Prentice, honoring both of her parents’ lasting contributions to the Givens community.
Betty Prentice is also pictured standing in front of her Villa at Givens Estates, proudly surrounded by the flower garden she lovingly created and maintained until the age of 100.
