Betty Dean Persons

She was a wonderful mother, grandmother and devoted wife to the late Howard Persons.

She was born at the Dean family home at Pebble Brook Farm in Sherman, N.Y., the present day Sherman Livestock Auction. The family moved to Vicksburg, Miss., in 1927 where she enjoyed her childhood years with brother, Gordon. After a time in Vicksburg her father contracted malaria and they briefly relocated to Lincoln, Neb,, where she started third grade. A few months later the family moved back to Mississippi until 1933 when they returned to Sherman to assist with the family farm owned by her grandfather, Whitney Dean.

Betty graduated valedictorian at Sherman School in 1938. She married Howard Persons in January 1940 and they immediately left to spend the winter in Florida- the first time of which was to become a pattern throughout their life.

Howard and Betty returned to Sherman and purchased a farm which they owned and operated while they raised their six children from 1941-74. Betty’s children were blessed by her immense work ethic shown to them through her gardening, baking, canning, cooking, and sewing. The wonderful aroma of fresh baked cookies and breads often welcomed the family coming home.

She had an abundant love for her family and many friends all through her life. She loved to study God’s Word, reading the entire Bible every year for 41 consecutive years and taught various Sunday school classes and led Bible studies throughout her life.

After Betty and Howard retired in 1974, they enjoyed their winters at their home in Sebring, Fla. where they welcomed many friends and family during the winter months for the 35 years they were able to live there. At the ages of 85 and 87 Betty and Howard decided it was time to end their Florida snowbird ventures but never forgot the many enjoyable winters there.

Betty was predeceased by her husband, Howard in 2011. Since then she’s been greatly blessed and assisted by several caregivers, chief among them Becky VanValkenburg. The family cannot express sufficiently their gratitude and appreciation to Becky for all that she has done for our Mom.

Betty was predeceased by her daughter, Margaret Hasbrouck and her husband, Richard Hasbrouck in 2019. In addition, predeceasing her were a grandchild; a great- grandchild; and a great- great-grandchild.

Betty is survived by her children: James Persons, David Persons (Naomi), Jean Ewert (Donald), Ed Persons (Virginia) and Mark Persons (Kathy); 16 grandchildren; 32 great- grandchildren; and eight great-great-grandchildren.

Funeral services will be held Saturday, Feb. 22, 2020, at the First Baptist Church in Sherman, where the family will receive friends and family from 9:30 -11 a.m. Pastor Paul Sears will officiate the service at 11 a.m.

In lieu of flowers, please send memorials to First Baptist Church or Chautauqua Hospice and Palliative Care or the Stanley Hose Company.

Arrangements by David J. Dengler, Spitzer Funeral Home, Sherman, N.Y.