Betty Jane Sargent

Betty Jane Sargent, known to the world as Betty, the queen of Bingo halls and the matriarch of the great popcorn and chocolate ice cream empire, took her final bow on April 1, 2024. Born on August 8, 1943, in the bustling city of Detroit, Michigan, Betty's laughter and fiery debates have been a staple in Calhoun, Georgia, where she played her last Bingo card. Betty was a force to be reckoned with, a woman whose love for "I Love Lucy" was only rivaled by her passion for Betty Boop. Her family fondly remembers the popcorn oozing with butter and salt that she couldn't live without – a snack that was always accompanied by the most animated and lively discussions, for she was an expert at debating EVERYTHING. Whether you were talking politics, the best way to bake a pie, or the secret to eternal youth, you'd better believe Betty had an opinion and wasn't afraid to share it. Preceding her in the journey beyond are her beloved son, James Williams, and her husband, Robert Sargent, who have no doubt been preparing for her grand entrance. She leaves behind a legacy of laughter and love in her children: Cheryl (James) Smith, LeighAnn (Richard) Koon, John Williams, Debra Jane (Justin) Snyder, and Dawn Agnes Kuczborski. Her grandchildren, who were her pride and joy, Cynthia Williams, Bradley (Danielle) Boyer, Braden Scott Brake, Racheal (Dennis) Decker, Candace Boyer, Johnny Brake Jr., Christopher James (Ivy) Williams, Alexander Presley Williams, Lauren Williams, Elizabeth Kay Snyder, and Caleb Richard Snyder, will miss her dearly. Her littlest loves, her great-grandchildren, Zachary David Williams, Miranda Nicole Boyer, Hailie Lynn Williams, Chealby Aniah Boyer, Trevor Chase Decker, Jaden Lee Brake, Aryel Roze Brake, Aryes Michael Brake, Camden Michael Brake, Maverick Don Williams, Ember Jewel Williams, and one great-granddaughter Nevaeh Jean Williams, will grow up with stories of their great Betty's legendary baking sessions and holiday feasts. Holidays at Betty's were an experience of epic proportions. She was the undisputed queen of the kitchen, whipping up dishes that would make Gordon Ramsay weep with joy. Her recipes were top-secret, and she guarded them like national treasures, often remarking that she'd take them to her grave. And true to her word, the Sargent family cookbooks are now priceless artifacts. In the spirit of Betty's love for humor and her knack for turning every situation into a comedic scene, we share a quote from the beloved comedian Robin Williams: "Why do they call it rush hour when nothing moves?" Betty lived life at her own pace, and in the rush hours of life, she was the one who moved us all with her laughter and zest. Her passion for baking wasn't just about the delicious treats; it was about the moments shared with her grandchildren, covered in flour and sugar, their laughter filling every nook of the house. These are the memories that will linger on, sweeter than any pie or cookie she ever baked. As we say our goodbyes to Betty Jane Sargent, we remember a woman whose life was as flavorful as her famous dishes and as comforting as the buttery, salty popcorn she so loved. We will miss her passionate debates, her uproarious laughter, and the warmth she brought into every room. Betty, here's to you, the woman who taught us that life is a game of Bingo, and while we can't always control the numbers that are called, we can control how much fun we have playing. Your card may be up, but your legacy is a jackpot win for us all. Rest in peace, dear Betty, and may your afterlife be filled with endless Bingo victories, chocolate ice cream, and episodes of "I Love Lucy" on repeat.