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Betty Jean Lambert Leary

Betty Jean Lambert Leary, wife to Charles Plank, departed peacefully into her eternal rest in the twilight just before dawn on May 16, 2021. Betty Jean was born in Gulfport to Robert Simeon Lambert and Lydia E. Sharp-Lambert on Sept. 24, 1936. Hers was a life well-lived for 84 years.
She is survived by her three daughters, Teresa Morgan (John), of Deltona, Fla.; Stacey Verhaeghe (Lavon), of Chesterfield, Va.; and Karen Kirkland (Garry), of Littleton, Colo. She is also survived by Purnal James “Buddy” Goldy, of Deltona, Fla., lifelong friend and father to her four children; by her sister, Arlena Lambert Smith, of Pittsburgh, Penn.; by her grandchildren, Jerame Turrin, Jordan Morgan, Jessica Morgan, Julia Walsh, Elizabeth Verhaeghe, Scotty Norfleet, and David Goodman; and by her four great-grandchildren, Zoey, Ryleigh, Nolan, and Nora.
Preceding her in death were her son, James Robert Goldy (1960); her parents, Robert S. and Lydia E. Lambert (1964); her husband, Paul Leary (1990); and her sister, Roberta Lambert McMullin (2020).
Betty will be remembered for her tireless commitment to her church, her love for adventure and travel, and her unbridled zest for life. She served countless mission trips around the world, sharing her love and faith in God. In her younger adult life, she was a devoted wife and mother, an avid sportswoman who enjoyed all things outdoors, including bicycling, archery, and camping with family and friends. Betty never knew a stranger. She lived a rich and full life, with both challenges and triumphs, love and loss, joy and sorrow. Her memory will forever be a blessing to all who knew her.
A memorial service was held at Pleasant Grove United Methodist Church Cemetery on May 29.