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BORN
1945
DIED
2023
FUNERAL HOME
Bettie Bryant Obituary
2023 surrounded by her loving family and dearest friends. Miss Bettie was married to James "Jim" Bryant for 54 wonderful years. She was the daughter of Donald Utterback and Miriam Juanita (Solt) Utterback.
In addition to her husband, she is survived by her children, Carrie Bryant-Render and Curtis Bryant (Sulein), 5 grandchildren; Madison, Luke, and Kolton Render; Jia and Juliana Bryant, sister; Barbara Main, and numerous nieces and nephews.
Miss Bettie Jane shared the joy of dance with generations of families at the Bettie Jane Center of Dance Art for more than 63 years. Bettie Jane was not just a dance teacher, but a consummate pillar in the community. After being diagnosed with cancer almost 15 years ago, in Bettie's selfless nature, she started the Bettie Jane Cancer Foundation advocating for well over 1,000 local cancer patients with their daily activities, lifting them up, and promoting self-awareness to heal and produce a productive lifestyle. Tap, ballet, and jazz were her method of promoting love of the arts to all. The dance of life might be over but she will be shouting from the heavens that the show must go on!
The family will receive friends from 1pm to 5pm, Sunday, March 5, 2023 at the Keeney and Basford Funeral Home, 106 E. Church Street, Frederick. The funeral service will be held at 2:00pm, on Monday, March 6, 2023 at the Evangelical Lutheran Church, 31 E. Church Street, Frederick. Interment will follow at Resthaven Memorial Gardens.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Bettie Jane Cancer Foundation, P.O. Box 225, Braddock Heights, MD 21714 and www.bjcfmd.org.
Online condolences may be shared at www.keeneybasford.com. Bettie Bryant
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Bettie Bryant
Sponsored by Keeney & Basford Funeral Homes, P.A..
Kath
February 27, 2024
A year ago, 2/27/2023, family and friends gathered in the ICU to console each other and to say our final goodbyes to a special lady. Bettie Jane was a wife, mother, sister, aunt, lifelong friend, mentor, dance teacher, and most importantly a good citizen to our community. The Bettie Jane Cancer Foundation has a board meeting tonight. We contine our support of the cancer community. BJ will continue to guide us in our journey to serve the community. She would tell us, " the show must go on". I'm sure she is directing (maybe the assistant director to the big guy) the show in heaven and bringing her joy to all. Miss you dear friend, my second mother and the women with such determination even when the battle was tough. Love forever - Kath
Tony Engstler
February 25, 2024
A very great friend. Cynthia and I will miss Bettie.
Mary Green
March 13, 2023
So sorry to hear about Bettie Jane. She was such a loving & giving person. I never danced at her studio but knew hear as a CVS customer--she always had a positive attitude even when getting bad news. She will live on and continue to help others with the legacy of her Foundation.
Lettie Roberts Carter
March 6, 2023
So sorry to hear about the passing of such a great lady !!!! She was a very talented, loving, kind and caring person. I danced for Bettie in the mid to late 60's at the old YMCA in downtown Frederick. My daughter also danced at the home studio. Soooo many wonderful memories. Keeping all the family in my thoughts and prayers during this difficult time.
Lettie Roberts Carter
Sabrina Butler
March 6, 2023
Sorry for your loss of Bettie.
She was my tap teacher from long ago. She always had a smile and was ready to work with the children.
Thoughts and Prayers to family as you go through this sad time.
Tanner Cichocki
March 5, 2023
Ms. Bettie was like a second mom to me. She was a second home for me. I didn't know her too well, but i gathered those feelings just from being in the same room with her. I give my absolute and complete condolences to her family. We love you, Ms. Bettie, wherever you are.
Julie Crutchley
March 5, 2023
Some of my earliest memories were formed in Ms. Bettie Jane´s basement studio on East 13th Street in Frederick. To this day, I remember all the words and steps to "I´m Something Special," "Tiny Little Troopers," and " and "I´ve Got a Little Parasol." Running around in my little white tap shoes, getting fancy hair and makeup for my big on-stage moment, remembering all the words as I tapped away...and back in the wings, that big happy smile from the lovely lady who taught it all to me. That was 50 years ago, and nearly all of Frederick County now have memories just like this, and all due to one remarkable, unforgettable woman. The Showcase of Stars has expanded. Tap with the angels, Ms. Bettie Jane, and thank you.
Dean and Anne Torgerson
March 5, 2023
Jim, Carrie, and Curtis—Our deepest condolences for your loss. Betty was a sweet lady with a kind and gentle soul. The fact that she touched so many lives is a testament to who she was as a teacher, wife, mother, and friend.
Sandy Flynn
March 5, 2023
More than teaching us to dance, she taught us to love dance! Miss Bettie you will be missed. Thank you for the fond memories and the many friendships along the way.
Charlene Hopkins
March 5, 2023
Bettie brought years of fun, friendship and wonderful memories to our entire family. We all took classes, mom and dad also helped sew costumes and helped backstage at recital time. Her loss will be felt by so many. Carrie, Curtis and Mr. Jim, you are in our thoughts and prayers.
Charlene Abram Hopkins, Norene, Gary & Greg Abram.
Diane Gabry
March 5, 2023
Miss Bettie Jane was a blessing to so many people. Hold tight to your good memories. May God bring you comfort and peace in this season.
Jennifer Bossle (Offutt)
March 5, 2023
On behalf of my Mother, Patsy Crosby & my sister, Lauralea Offutt, we were just 3 of countless students that were touched by this dear woman over the years in her dance presence. She has paved a legacy for dancers to continue her vision of art and creativity and expression. It was a blessing to be her student from a toddler to a teen and I continue to take her lessons with me throughout my life. Dance among the Angels now, Bettie Jane!
Lesley Gant-Goines
March 5, 2023
So very sorry to have heard this. Betty Jane taught me the beautiful world of Dance for over 15 years. Sending my condolences to her entire family!
Todd Offutt
March 4, 2023
Ms Bettie taught several generations of my family, and left a beautiful legacy. Spoke to her several weeks ago and she was as delightful as ever. A real Class act.
Judy Grove
March 4, 2023
Miss Betty is someone that I can only hope I could be like. She was a presence with anything she did of positivity. To meet her you were given a new friend. She will be missed but never forgotten for her gift of caring to everyone she met! Live on Miss Betty Jane!
Brian Lauer
March 4, 2023
Curtis, Carrie and family.
My condolences to you guys. Your mom was always nice, welcoming and a great person when we hung out at your house in high school, even if we were up to no good some days. She never gave us a hard time about playing "egg wars" at night on the property. I always enjoyed chatting with her. She was a beautiful soul and it was a pleasure knowing her and your family. Hang in there guys.
Deirdre Crider
March 4, 2023
Our daughters were also taught dance by Ms. Bettie Jane during their time at Visitation Academy. She always greeted the girls so cheerfully and with such enthusiasm. We looked forward to her recitals, her special notes on report cards and the beautiful ornaments that hang on our Christmas tree every year. Our heartfelt condolences go to the Bryant Family. Rest in heavenly peace, Ms.Bettie Jane.
The Crider Family
Sue Remsburg
March 4, 2023
I never danced but I walked with Betty at the Breast Cancer walks in Baker Park. She was a special person and will be missed. Praying for comfort for the family and knowing she will always be with you.
Julie Sadowski
March 3, 2023
Jan, I and the girls have been part of Bettie’s wonderful world of dance for over 40 years. Besides dancing along side of her I had the privilege of teaching with her at Visitation Academy until it’s closing. And the classes the girls and I took were something we will never forget She has been a wonderful friend and example of how to share yourself with the world. She always was there when I was sick and her visits were uplifting. I am thankful Angela and I were able to visit with her when she was still at home. Jan and I have just moved to Florida for Asthma reasons and sadly will miss her funeral. The world will truly miss you, Bettie. For Jan and our family it is a sad ending of an era. But I know God has greeted her in heaven. Love you sooooo much Bettie.
Sandra Pennington
March 3, 2023
In loving memory of a wonderful person. We will miss you always.
Laureen Lipscomb
March 3, 2023
Our daughter danced with Betty Jane several years ago. But, every time we ran into Betty Jane, she would ask about her by name. ♥
May your family be filled with loving memories of all those families she touched.
The Lipscomb family
Eryn Pawlik
March 3, 2023
Sending our daughter to Bettie Jane's school of dance art is one decision I will never regret. Bettie Jane is a gem and I know she is dancing before our Heavenly Father. God bless.
Eryn Pawlik and family
Sandra Pennington
March 3, 2023
May God bless you and your family in this time of sorrow.
Joy Rowe
March 3, 2023
I danced with Bettie Jane bacillus in the 70’s. I am so sorry for your loss but them memories that I have of the almost 10 years that I danced I will continue to cherish.
Tony & Cynthia Engstler
March 3, 2023
May your hearts soon be filled with wonderful memories of joyful times together as you celebrate a life well lived.
Libby Robeson-Mitchell
March 3, 2023
I took dance lessons for 9 years as a child with Miss Bettie and she taught my children as well years later. She was such a beacon of light. I always loved how she made all her students felt special. At Christmas she had ornaments for her students. The ornaments she gave me still hang on my tree even after 40 years. She will be missed! Rest in Peace Miss Bettie.
andria Harrison
March 3, 2023
May God bless you and your family in this time of sorrow.
Sherry LaBella
March 3, 2023
My heart is heavy with the news of Ms. Bettie's passing. Dancing has been a huge part of my life. I started dance at 3 years old, but my true love of dance started when I joined her studio at 10 years old. Fifty years seems like a long time, but it was not nearly long enough to dance with this incredible woman. Bettie has been everything to me over the years, a teacher, 2nd mom, mentor, casino buddy, confidant, but most of all FRIEND. She was an inspiration and has helped countless people in small and huge ways. Thank you for always being there and letting me be a part of the BJCDA family. Other than raising my kids, being a part of the BJCDA family has been the most rewarding thing I have done. Love and prayers to Mr. Jim, Carrie, Curtis, extended family, BJCDA family, and all who were touched by her. Love, Sherry
Marjorie Barber
March 3, 2023
So very sorry to hear about Bettie. I used to see her every Wednesday at the Ballenger Hall as her class was leaving the building and we were entering for our dance class. Bettie always had time to partake in a short conversation with us, and we always enjoyed talking with her. Her passion for her students and dancing was palpable. Bettie sure will be missed!
Robyn Larkin
March 3, 2023
I am so very sorry for the families loss, I took dance with Betty when I was a child for 16 years, then my daughter took dance with her. Such a beautiful selfless soul. Lifting you all in prayer. Dance like you have all you life now with your angel wings Miss Bettie RIP
Kathryn Bogush
March 3, 2023
The magic of Bettie Jane Bryant was she made each person she encountered feel special. She had the patience to work with young and old students, some without all the skills or rhythm. What she did was bring out the best in you and encouraged confidence to perform. She never lost the will to live but her body was overcomed with declining health. I don't believe she lost a battle with cancer. She prevailed for 15 years living life, giving back to her community and loving her family and friends. We will caring on in your honor and make you proud. It's not a goodbye but see you later. I know you are casting a bright light in heaven and doing a little tap dance.
Kelly Poulin (Thompson)
March 3, 2023
I was saddened to hear the news about Mrs. Bryant and am so sorry. I didn’t dance, but spent time with the Bryants’ through my parents. My thoughts are with Mr. Bryant, Carrie and Curtis.
Doris Kennedy Anderson
March 3, 2023
Miss Betty taught my daughter dance for years . She was the always happy to see her dancers show up for class .she will be missed . RIP
Deitra Stevens
March 3, 2023
Dance on dear friend. Your gracious spirit will live on forever
Margaret & Gary Melvin
March 3, 2023
I am so fortunate to have met Bettie a few years ago when I called to ask if she gave adult dance lessons. After the first lesson, I knew then that I had met a truly special lady! Our prayers and thoughts are with Jim and family.
katherine (cookie) Shackleford
March 3, 2023
There no words I can say about the wonderful lady who gave so much to so many with her dancing I still have tuck away my daughter Lori dance recital outfits now her time to dance her way into heaven gates
Barbara Farley Gulley
March 2, 2023
Bettie also gave to Cystic Fibrosis Foundation, etc. since the start of her career. I was under Bettie’s tutelage from 1961-62. Then 2021 to present. Even when she lost some of her strength, she sat on a stool but her feet kept showing us the way. When I think of Bettie I wish to laugh, enjoy each step & give, not take.
Jennifer Kaufman
March 2, 2023
I remember taking dance Bettie Jane's in late 80's and early 90's. It was remarkable that she would remember me years later. I'm so glad she is now dancing in heaven, with all the shoes she wore. Prayers for the family.
Jennifer (Leatherman) Kaufman
William J. Jr. & Lauralea Offutt
March 2, 2023
We remember Bettie Jane as my mother Pat, Todd, Jennie , Mary Glenn & Julie all learned to dance and were in the Recitals with costumes of many styes ! We will miss her smile, forever ! May she Rests in Peace!
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