WILMINGTON — Betty Jean Lanouette, 79, peacefully passed away at home Monday, Dec. 30, 2019.
She was born July 28, 1940, in Wilmington, the daughter of the late James Carson Powell and Perdita Jones Powell.
At the age of seven, Betty Jean Lanouette witnessed a tragedy which, while it deeply influenced her life, never erased her sweetness. Until the end, she had an unlimited capacity for joy and wonder, curiosity and eagerness, and a strong sense of fairness and justice.
Betty and her beloved husband, Robert, married soon after high school. Bob was a Marine, and as they moved from assignment to assignment, Betty raised their first three children. Whether it was Carol Burnett, Eddie Murphy or her mother’s false teeth flying out during a sneeze, Betty could laugh until she cried, ensuring everyone else did too. She tried new food without hesitation, no matter if it was from Burger King or an upscale restaurant, or made by one of her children. From Furbies and Gameboys to tablets and smartphones, she was eager to play with the newest technologies, and you could find her listening to the Platters, the Andrews Sisters, Queen, Save Ferris and even Motorhead.
Betty enjoyed art, whether it was Monet or Chagall or a child using eyeliner on wallpaper; if it was beautiful, or simply heartfelt, she loved it. She herself was creative and talented. She drew life-like pictures of animals on lunchbox notes. She could paint and sing, knit and crochet, and would create rhymes on the spot.
Betty’s intelligence shined brightest in her teaching. She could guide you through a complicated recipe over the phone and could always clearly explain and help with math homework. She understood the care of abandoned baby animals, and could show how to make the hardest jumps in Super Mario Brothers. She taught more intangible things, like kindness and thoughtfulness, a high regard for animals, and the importance of placing people before possessions.
Most of all, Betty was loving, caring, generous and protective. She fiercely defended her children from bullies and school administrators. She spoke up for orphans and mistreated animals. She would even defend people she was no longer friends with, simply because she had once cared for them.
The last years of her life were difficult, but the pain never eclipsed her spirit. Her love for her husband and children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren was at the forefront of her thoughts, and we honor Betty Jean Lanouette by remembering this love.
We’ll be alright, Momma. After you give Dad a hug, go play with Vanda. You two have alot of catching up to do.
Betty is survived by her four children, Cheryl, Karen, Bobby and James; three grandchildren, Christopher, Samantha and Lucianne; and three great-grandchildren, Joshua, Caleb and Sophia.
Together, with her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband, Robert; and siblings, Vanda, Sammy, Lucy and Tommy.
The family will gather at the graveside for a funeral service at noon, Friday, Jan. 3, 2020, at the Seagate Cemetery, 52nd Street and LaPaloma Court, Wilmington.
Share online condolences with the family at Wilmington Funeral & Cremation.
