Betty Seal, 81

Betty Jean (Carter) Seal, age 81, of Three Rivers went to be with her Lord on Wednesday, Sept. 9, 2009, at her home, surrounded by her loving family. 

She was born in Patrick County, Va., on Jan. 24, 1928. She was married in 1946 to Herman Bailey Seal when they were reunited after his service in World War II. They lived in Mount Airy, N.C., where she worked as a seamstress at Hanes Textile and Allendale Mills.

They had one daughter, Barbara Jean. In 1962, they moved to Three Rivers, Michigan. Betty Jean worked in Centreville at Denton Mills until she retired in 1991.

She was a faithful attendee of Bethany Baptist Chapel and a longtime member of First Baptist Church, Three Rivers.

Preceding her in death were her husband, Herman Seal; her parents, John Edgar and Della Carter; brothers Ralph Carter, Moir Carter, Gilmer Carter and William Carter; and sister Irene Seal.

She is survived by a sister, Margaret Kyle; a daughter, Barbara Jean Welty; a son-in-law, William Welty; and  grandchildren Emily Welty, Nick Welty and Rebecca Welty.

Betty Jean was an avid gardener, hostess extraordinaire, supreme baker of chocolate pies, self-taught pianist and enthusiastic singer. She was a delightful and generous spirit with the ability to make friends with everyone she encountered.

Betty Jean’s battle with lung cancer was a courageous one which she faced with grace and good humor. Her faith enabled her to reach out to those around her and see the best in all people. She touched the lives of countless people and will be dearly missed.

The family will receive friends from 2-5 p.m. Sunday at the Hohner Funeral Home.
Funeral services will be held 11 a.m. Monday at the funeral home.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to the Three Rivers Health Hospice, c/o the Three Rivers Health Foundation. Envelopes available at the funeral home.

Interment will be held Tuesday morning at Fort Custer National Cemetery.