Betty Lou Hearn

Betty Lou Hearn, 83, of Bartow, FL, passed away on Friday, November 24, 2023. She was a child of God that spent most of her years as a babysitter and daycare owner for countless children in her community. Many lives were positively affected by her loving hand and pointed guidance. She was born in Hurdle Mills, NC, to William and Mamie Breeze on August 8, 1940. She was the youngest of 14 children. Betty married the love of her life, Dick, on November 9, 1979. They were a wonderful couple who enjoyed each other’s company and were truly best friends until Dick’s death in 2002. Betty had five children as well as four stepchildren with Dick. A full house to say the least. She also had a dog, Moana, whom she loved dearly. She had many friends, but kept in close contact with Carolyn Russ, Sandy Stenger and Debbie Watson. Betty was an active member of Vineyard Church of God, for as long as she was able to attend. Betty and Dick were close with Pastor Music and Kathy for many years. Betty will always be remembered for the love and care she lent to others. Not just her large extended family, but to so many members of her community. She ran a home daycare for 54 years. It didn’t matter how these children behaved when they began with her, you can be sure that they were well-mannered and respectful by the time they left Granny Betty’s house. Countless lives in the community can count themselves as better people because she lived. She was considered an Angel on Earth by those that were close to her, and her memory will live on and on. We could not have asked for a better mother, grandmother, sibling, or friend. Betty was preceded in death by her husband, Dick, as well as her daughter, Michelle Oakley, and son, Paul Oakley. She is survived by three siblings (Jimmy, Margaret, and Bernice), three sons (Andrew, Scott, and Kelly) and 4 stepchildren (Sheila, Tina, Bryan, and Terry) as well as 12 grandchildren (Randall, Stephen, Andrea, Jessica, Toni, Caiden, Kendal, Emma, Anna, Richard, Matthew, and Meagan) and 11 great grandchildren (Rhett, Davien, Hannah, Zackary, Katelyn, Marley, Arianna, Harper, Brooke, Bailee, and Brylee). The family will hold a viewing on Wednesday, November 29, 2023, at Whidden-McLean Funeral Home in Bartow from 6 – 8 PM. The funeral will take place on Thursday, November 30, 2023, at 2 PM at Vineyard Church of God in Bartow, followed by a graveside service at Wildwood Cemetery in Bartow. Anyone that knows our sweet Granny Betty is invited to attend.