Betty Jean Henry

Betty Jean Henry, 96, passed away peacefully in her home on Monday, February 7, 2022.

Betty was born, on March 17, 1925, In Lake Charles to James Stewart Henry and Willie Simpson Stine Henry, pioneer residents of Cameron Parish.

She was a 1942 graduate of Lake Charles High where she was a proud member of the Kilities. After graduation from high school, she attended Louisiana Normal College now (Northwestern State University) in Natchitoches graduating in 1945 with a Batchelor’s Degree in Commerce.

Betty began her career at Olin Chemicals retiring after 30 years as Executive Secretary to the Plant Manager.

Betty’s life was filled with family, religion, traveling, painting, and a special passion for volunteering. She was a fixture at all things family never missing a shower, birthday, weddings, and baptisms. She was a lifetime member of the Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception Cathedral and a member of the Catholic Daughters of the Americas, and Court Lady of the Lake since 1948. She was also a member of the Ladies Altar Society and the Sierra Club.

She was a frequent volunteer at the Diocese of Lake Charles Chancery Office. The Immaculate Conception Rectory, and the Friends of the Library in the Calcasieu Parish School System. Betty had a strong love for cats and supported the “Hobo Hotel for Cats.”

She was an avid traveler and traveled all over the world. For many years she enjoyed one of her favorite pastimes, painting china with her friends of the International Porcelain Artists, Inc.

She is preceded in death by her parents, James Stewart Henry, Sr. and Willie Simpson Stine Henry; her sister Kathryn Henry Martin; a brother James Stewart Henry, Jr.; a sister-in-law, Hilda P. Henry; and nephews James Whitney Martin and Edward Cayo Martin.

She is survived by her nieces and nephews, Ell Ray Henry (Carol), Melanie Henry Hebert, Michael Henry, Sr., and Carol Ann Martin, as well as many great nieces and nephews.

Funeral services will be 2:00 PM Wednesday at The Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception. The Reverend Monsignors Jace Eskind, Harry Greig, and James Gaddy will officiate. Burial will be in Consolata Cemetery under the direction of Johnson Funeral Home. Visitation will be from 9:00 AM until 1:30 PM at University Baptist Church (Lake and McNeese St.). A rosary will be recited at 1:00 PM before leaving for the church.

Pallbearers will be Mike Henry, Jr.  Chad Henry, Brandon Henry, Todd Henry, Mark Cutrera, Darren Oustalet, Mike Marcantel, and Todd Hebert. Honorary Pallbearers will be Sebastien Levac and Gabriel Levac.

The family would like to give thanks to her caregiver, Janice Zackery for her hard work and dedication to Betty.

Donations may be made in her memory to The Cathedral Immaculate Conception, 935 Bilbo St. Lake Charles, La 70601.