Like any true Southern matriarch, death will not be the end for her. Betty Jean Howard went to be with the Lord on Dec. 22, 2021, but her story will continue on through the lives, love and laughter of her friends and family.
Her story began on Aug. 27, 1936, in the small rural community of Bacon County where she was born to R.V. and Mae Music Rigdon. One of seven children, Betty Jean was born to stand out. She grew into a headstrong young woman and met the love of her life, Seth Allen Howard. The two were married on Aug. 23, 1953, and made their home in Camden County, where they had two children, Pamela and Keith.
Betty became a pillar in her community through her vibrant outgoing nature, service to others and her true grit. She began by helping women feel and look their best through Mary Kay cosmetics and after surviving breast cancer in her early 40s, she began volunteering at the local hospital, a passion that she continued for several decades. She forged true and lasting friendships including her very best friends in the High Five Club, and as a member of the Order of the Amaranth, Port City Court No. 24. As a member of the Order of the Eastern Star of Kingsland Chapter 146, Betty helped lead the organization by holding every office including grand worthy matron and last served as the chapter’s chaplain in 2019. The role of chaplain was particularly important, as her religion played a key role in her life. She was a one of the oldest members of the St. Marys United Methodist Church and Gleaners Sunday School Class.
She was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Seth Howard, parents R.V. and Mae Music Rigdon and siblings Curtis, Grady, Quincy, Billy and Audrey Tanner.
Her legacy lives on through her children, Pamela McCage of Kingsland and Keith (Dena) Howard of Jacksonville, Florida; four grandchildren, Kari (Daniel) Brown, Devon (Josh) Lachaussie, Courtney (Robert) Ventrone and Joshua (Tiffany) McCage; eight great-grandchildren, Clarissa, Seth and Maddie Belle Brown, Evangeline and William Mears, Ryder Ventrone, Palmer Harter and Maverick McCage; her sister, Mary Ann Corbin; and countless nieces, nephews and friends.
Funeral services will be held at 11 a.m. on Saturday, Jan. 22 at St. Marys United Methodist Church.