Obituary of Betty Jean Lawrence
Betty J. Lawrence 81 passed away peacefully on the morning of July 12, 2024, at Day Kimball Hospital surrounded by family after a brief illness. Born Oct. 4, 1942, to Aaron and Ruby Lenore (Wright) Greer in Pinckneyville Ill. The youngest of two children she attended a one room schoolhouse throughout her elementary school years. Having the same loving, gifted teacher the entire time. Betty was a talented piano player who gave lessons as well as played for school functions, church and the local funeral parlor. After graduating Highschool she attended Southern University of Illinois where she studied music.
In 1963 she came out to Connecticut to visit family. After a blind date at the local Dairy Queen in Willimantic and a whirlwind romance she met and married her husband Elliot (Bud) Lawrence Jr. April 11, 1964. They settled down in Willimantic then Windham having 2 children before purchasing the Red and White store from Mildred Barret in 1973 and moving to Eastford Ct. They worked long hours to keep the business going. And in 1975 they had their 3rd child. By this time, they had become very ingrained in a tight knit community providing a place for everyone to gather and spend time together. Betty and Bud developed deep and long-lasting friendships with many of the locals creating a special place to raise their 3 children.
While her children were growing, she became very involved in the Eastford Congregational Church. Teaching Sunday school, playing the piano and singing in the choir. She loved music and loved to read. Always in the pursuit of knowledge She managed to develop an extensive book collection on a wide range of topics. She was multifaceted, open minded. She used her faith to guide the way and shape how she viewed the world.
After 15 years in business, they decided to close the September of 1988. A few years later Betty wanted to reopen the store. So, September 1992 she reopened under the new named, The Eastford Village Store. Once again creating a special place for the residents to gather for good food and company, tall tales and lots of laughter. After the passing of her husband Bud in 1996 Betty kept the store going until she closed in 2006 to head back to the Midwest to care for her elderly father.
After the passing of her father in 2009 she moved back to Quinebaug Ct. To be closer to her children. She resided here until a series of health problems sent her to live at Matulaitis Nursing Home. Betty settled in and started to thrive once again under the loving care of the Matulaitis staff. She made many new friends, strong connections with those around her. She attended Church daily Deeping her faith. Betty was a kind, compassionate, gentle, loving soul. A wonderful mother, grandmother and great-grandmother. Aka Nana Betty. We were all so very blessed to have her in our lives and will miss her terribly.
She leaves behind her three children, daughter Melinda Anderson and husband Steve. Son Elliot Lawrence III and wife, Heather. Son Greg Lawrence and wife, Carrie. Grandchildren Travis Anderson and wife Amanda. Michaela Kelley and husband, Dan. Sylvia Mae Bulmer and husband Jake. Elliot Lawrence IV and girlfriend Noel. Dean Lawrence and girlfriend Marissa. Great Grandchildren, Wyatt and Macie Jean Anderson and Jack Kelley. Her brother Wayne Greer and his wife Nancy of Pinckneyville Ill. Two nephews Mark and Stephen Greer. Many other cousins, family members and longtime friends.
Calling hour will be held Thursday July 18, 2024, from 10:00 to 11:00 AM at Smith and Walker Funeral Home, 148 Grove Street, Putnam Ct, Funeral service to start at 11:00 AM. Burial will follow at the Grove Cemetery in Eastford Ct. Share a memory at Smithandwalkerfh.com