Betty Jean Hartsell Sowers age 89 of Cary passed away on December 8, 2021. Betty Jean was born on April 10, 1932, in Thomasville, NC, to Dewitt and Clara O’Neal Hartsell. She was a 1950 graduate of Thomasville High School and a 1952 graduate of Mars Hill Junior College.
Betty Jean married Darwin Sowers on June 29, 1958. They were married just a few weeks shy of 61 years. After the births of her 3 daughters, Betty Jean returned to school in the early 60’s and completed her Bachelor's degree in Education at “Women’s College” (now UNCG). Betty Jean was an elementary school teacher for many years. She taught several different grades through the years in different school systems in NC and also taught special education. The family moved to Wake county in 1975, and Betty Jean retired from the Wake County Public School System in 1992. Her last school was Farmington Woods Elementary.
Betty Jean loved to travel with her family and later with her husband in retirement. They took many trips over the years including a 50th anniversary trip to Switzerland. She loved to garden, was an avid reader, and played in many bridge groups until just a few years ago. Betty Jean was known for hosting many bridge parties and her Christmas Eve and Easter lunch family gatherings. She was a member of First Baptist Church of Cary.
Betty Jean was predeceased by her husband, Darwin, her sister, Peggy, and her brother, Doug. She is survived by daughters Sheryl Ward, Shawn Yates (Brian), and Sharon Hope (David); grandchildren James O’Neal Yates and Gloria Grace Hope; and several nieces and nephews.
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