Betty Jean Feronti

Our mom, Betty Jean (Jeanne) Feronti passed away July 8, 2024, with her family by her side. Although she never climbed the corporate ladder or had a big office, she had a very full life. As a homemaker and mother of 9, she wore many hats – fabulous cook, caterer, housekeeper, taxi driver, shopper, coach, motivator, disciplinarian, inventory manager, caregiver, advisor and so much more. She never had a title or got a raise but daily, she gave her love away freely and shared it with everyone she met, never expecting pay, praise, or recognition in return. She will be missed by many.

She was born Betty Jean (Jeanne) Sayers on August 23, 1931, to Ezra Mitchell & Sarah Elizabeth Nichols Sayers in Khedive, Pennsylvania. She graduated from Waynesburg High School in 1950 and made her way to Washington, D.C. to work as a receptionist for Group Hospitalization. There she met the love of her life, Eugene Francis Feronti and they were married June 11, 1951, in Waynesburg, Pennsylvania. 

Jeanne was a devoted member of St Charles Borromeo Catholic Church since 1966. She was an adoration guardian, volunteered in the office weekly and participated in meals on wheels – cooking for the homebound & elderly. Everyone knew when she was in church because they could hear that deep alto voice! She loved her faith and the Church.

In the summer of 1953, the first of their nine children was born. Betty Jean & Gene had nine babies in twelve short years! 

Betty Jean was preceded in death by her baby sister Linda Sue, father, Ezra Sayers, brother, William, niece, Melanie Sue Morris, mother, Betty, husband, Gene, brother-in-law, David Kennedy, son-in-law, Gary Dickinson, great-grandson, Lincoln Henry, and son-in-law, M.L. Henry, Jr.

She is survived by her three sons, six daughters and their partners: Eugene Francis Jr. (Christine), Kimberly Feronti Dickinson (Gary, deceased), Craig Stephen (Tricia Miga), Dawn Elizabeth Henry, Tamaura Anne Clinton (Scott), Pamaura Therese Henderson (Larry), Jeanne Feronti Bronson (Paul), Mary Harrison (Jeff), and Gregg James (Tia). Also surviving are her greatest joy and legacies - her grandchildren, Peter Feronti, Nicholas Feronti, Greg, Jeff (Jessica) and Jon Pat Dickinson, Curtis (Diana), and Rebecca Feronti, Lauren (Jamie) Chastain and M.L. Henry III (Cassie), Rachael (Michael) Chen, Tyler (Lindsey) Clinton, Sarah (Jeff) Cohea, Tessa (Ryan) Richter, Brett Henderson, Blake (Lauren O’Donley) Henderson, Paul Bronson Jr. (Morgan), Stephanie (Jose) Reyes, Liana and Ronan Feronti. Her great grandchildren Bridgette, Isabella, Bennett, Stevie, Greer, Tyler, Cylus, and Rylee Dickinson; Luna Gomez Feronti; Presley, Paxton, and Parker Chastain; Penelope, Mary Scott and Eleanor Henry; David and Scott Clinton, Carter Cohea, Silas, Jamison and Evie Chen; Archie Eugene Richter; Jude, Ford, Brody and Riki Lee Bronson, and Rowan Reyes brought her much joy the last few years.

Betty Jean also leaves her surviving sister Mary Kennedy, nephew William (Meghan) as well as her in-laws and their spouses Noel, Becky, Richard, Tommy (Fran), Annie, Charlene (Don), and Hyon Ae, and many nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends. 

She spent the last 1½ years of her life at StoneCreek of Edmond Assisted Living Center and loved every single moment. Her only regret was that she did not move there sooner! From amazing staff members (too many to mention but you know who you are), to wonderful friends, she truly had the time of her life. She became the President of the Resident Council, enjoyed tea and activities, and played bingo every chance she got. The rest is history!

Special thanks to the team at Traditions Health Hospice who assisted her over the last 17 months with their care, understanding and helping prepare all of us for the next phase. 

Mom is rejoicing in heaven with daddy after 17 years and is free of pain and the physical limitations that slowed her down the last few years. May we all live to be almost 93 years old with her mind, wit, and sense of humor. We were truly blessed by her presence in our lives. 

Please join us Friday July 12th at 6:30pm for the wake and to visit with the family to share memories and stories of mom at Smith & Kernke Funeral Home, 14624 N May. The funeral Mass will be held at St. Charles Borromeo Catholic Church 50th & N. Grove on Saturday, July 13th at 10am with the entombment following at Resurrection Cemetery.