PORT ST. LUCIE, Fla. — We will forever cherish the memories of Betty Jean Talbot, who passed away peacefully on Nov. 29, 2020, surrounded by her family.
Betty Jean, daughter of the late Dotsie Covington and Fred Terry, was born on May 20, 1941 in Rockingham, North Carolina. She lived there for 13 years and attended Leak Street School.
She moved to St. Petersburg, Florida, with her family and later graduated from Gibbs High School in 1959. After graduation, Betty was ready to take her chances and make the big move to New York City. She had a cousin and a friend who were already living there. The prospect of “big-city living” proved to be too enticing for Betty to pass up, and excited her. In the spring of 1960, she met Phillip, the love of her life, and they married five months later. They forged a life together and started a family.
Betty continued her education at night while working full-time. After years of persistent study, she graduated from Queens College with a BA in Sociology, pursuant to a career as a social worker, serving the areas of Manhattan, New York, and Fairfield, New Jersey. She specialized in the young adult, elderly, and special needs communities. Following a fruitful and progressive career, Betty retired in 1994 after 26 years, at which time she moved to Port St. Lucie, Florida. Betty enjoyed traveling the world with her husband. She also enjoyed spending time with her family and was especially proud of the accomplishments of her children and grandchildren.
Betty tirelessly volunteered with the Habitat for Humanity Women Build program and the local Food Pantry in St. Lucie County. She enjoyed membership in the Dominica America Social Club, Inc. and especially enjoyed participating in her book club, The African-American Literary Group.
Her hobbies included scrapbooking, decorating, thrift store shopping, and genealogy. Betty meticulously researched every detail of her family tree. She was passionate about teaching her family to appreciate, as she did, the complexities of our rich family ancestry, historical ties, and traditions. For Betty, linking the past to the present was essential to understanding your journey to who you are today and who she was — an exemplary model of compassion, patience, acceptance, and love. We are truly thankful for her life and her love.
Betty, a devoted wife and loving mother, leaves behind her husband of 60 years, Phillip Talbot; and daughter, Yvonne Smith (husband Randy); sons Carlton Talbot (wife Carole), Eugene Talbot; and grandchildren Carlton Jr., Randy Jr., Cameron, Kyle, Corey, Yasmine and Celeste. She will be sadly missed by her sisters, Ethel Cannedy, Margie Senior (husband Charles), and Deloris Collins; her in-laws, Myrna Talbot, Frank Talbot and Joy Talbot; as well as many nieces, nephews and other relatives.
Betty is preceded in death by her parents, Dotsie Covington and Fred Terry; son, Earl Talbot; her siblings, Jewel Allen, Alberta Collins, and Albert Collins.
A visitation will take place on Friday, Dec. 11, 2020 between 4 and 8 p.m. at Forest Hills Palm City Chapel. A funeral mass in Betty’s honor will take place on Saturday, Dec. 12, 2020 at 9:30 a.m. at St. Lucie Catholic Church (425 SW Irving St., Port Saint Lucie, FL 34983); followed by entombment at Forest Hills Memorial Park (2001 SW Murphy Road, Palm City, FL 34990)
Due to COVID-19 CDC protocols emplaced by Forest Hills all guest at the visitation, funeral mass, and entombment site are required to wear face coverings and social distance where appropriate; the visitation on Friday will not allow for congregating for long periods of time and there must be movement during viewings. Any guests who suspect they have been diagnosed with COVID-19, or have had a recent exposure, are encouraged to stay home.
