Kill Devil Hills – Elizabeth Marie Paulsen, 67, (also known as “Betsey” or “Boegy” due to her maiden name Boegershausen by her oldest and dearest friends from her younger years in NJ and Philly) passed on Wednesday February 27, 2019.

She is survived by her children, Mike Prior, Rebekah Paulsen, Jonathan Paulsen and Jack Ambler; her grandchildren, Logan Prior, Alex Prior, Elias Willoughby, and Elisah Paulsen; and her wonderful companion, Andy Burge. Also surviving are her sisters, Susie Boegershausen, and Sharon Boegershausen as well as countless out of town family members, lifelong friends, and “The Music Store” friends who have become like family.

Over her last month of being terribly, terminally ill her nurses said jokingly, “We’ve never seen so many people visit!” Our family is truly grateful for your support. Mom literally has rocked the Outer Banks for almost 40 years in so many ways – from serving the first liquor drink in the early 80s, to opening the first Music Store in 1986, when local musicians so desperately needed a place to go get their supplies and equipment. Our late father, Mike Paulsen, and Mom dedicated their hearts and lives to helping local musicians.

Along the way, Mom’s heart was stolen by the amazing talent shown by young kids that dreamed of being rock stars and by hearing that music was helping kids through tough times. So many kids, now adults, have reached out and spoken of the great times they had hanging out with Mom, or how much she helped them through rough spots by letting them just hang out for hours and talk or just play music. Elizabeth was an avid supporter of the local school music programs and young rockers. She donated regularly to schools and to fundraisers that help young musicians. She even gave to the kids that came in that couldn’t afford something needed to fuel their dreams.

Mom would have huge cookouts at our house often with so many loved guests. She was a GREAT cook and could put together a meal for 50-75 people in no time. She got her real estate license to earn the money that supported our father’s dream of owning a music store. Mom always worked so hard to make everyone happy around her. She loved seeing people’s dreams become reality.

Mom was the most beautiful person inside and out. She will forever be remembered by her generous heart, beautiful smile and the most awesome laugh and giggle. She is an Outer Banks icon who will be missed by so many.

Our family is truly looking forward to seeing everyone that can come celebrate with us. She was an amazing woman that deserves a great celebration of a wonderful woman and all she did for our community. Thank you to everyone that made an effort to be here for her and our family and thank you to those who pay their respects to a wonderful woman, mother, grandmother. Betsey’s celebration of life will be held Friday March 8, 2019 at 3 p.m. at the Gallop Funeral Services Beach Chapel.

Condolences may be expressed via the online register at www.gallopfuneralservices.com. Gallop funeral Services. Inc. was entrusted with arrangements.

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