Betsy Mapp is a native of the Eastern Shore, attended Central High School and Lynchburg College, where she earned a BA in philosophy.
She previously served a four-year term on the Board of Supervisors beginning in 1996. In the early 80s, she served on the town council and as mayor of Belle Haven.
She was an elder and Clerk of Session for Belle Haven Presbyterian Church. In the 1990s, she was a magistrate for Accomack and Northampton counties.