Betty Jean Hungerford

Betty Jean Lee Hungerford, 86, of Lake Charles passed away Friday, March 01, 2013 in a local hospital.

Mrs. Hungerford was born, raised and educated in New Albany, IN and has lived the past sixty-five years in Lake Charles. She worked her younger years at Muller's Department Store and later became very well known for her business of B.J. Hungerford and Son Honey Farm that she owned and operated with her late husband and their son Chris. She was a volunteer with the Calcasieu Parish School Board Title One Program, having traveled extensively to workshops and forums representing the school board. During this time she had the honor of meeting Hillary Clinton. Mrs. Hungerford was also a member of the PTA and was a Statewide Officer. She directed countless plays and musical reviews at Rosteet Elementary and Junior High. She was a professional singer during the Big Band era where she met her husband and performed with him and also on the radio. She loved all types of music. Mrs. Hungerford also loved cooking, especially for family gatherings and took great pride in the love of her family. She had a soft spot for all animals. She was a member of The Eastern Star, First Baptist Church and also attended Trinity Baptist Church.

She leaves to cherish her memory, one son, Christopher Hungerford and wife Margaret of Lake Charles; two daughters, Debra Jean Taggart and husband John Thomas of Lake Charles and Lisa Theriot and husband Charles of Westlake; eight grandchildren; ten great-grandchildren and many nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her husband of forty-five years, Lyle Victor Hungerford; great-grandson, Christian D. Abshire; parents, Thomas and Ethel Lee; four brothers and three sisters.

With respect of Mrs. Hungerford's wishes, funeral services were a private family gathering. Interment followed in Graceland Cemetery under the direction of Johnson Funeral Home.

The family of Mrs. Hungerford wishes to express sincere gratitude to Dr. Mark LaFuria, and the staff of Emeritus Assisted Living, and Harbor Hospice for their excellence in care during this difficult time.

Memorial donations may be made to the Salvation Army, 3020 Legion Street, Lake Charles, LA 70615.