Betty Jean Gerrard "Grandma Betty" Funk

Betty Jean Gerrard Funk, 98, of Nutter Fort passed away peacefully on Thursday, October 16, 2025 at the Maplewood Healthcare Center in Bridgeport.

Betty was born in Clarksburg, WV on July 19, 1927, the youngest child of Thurman N. Gerrard, Sr. and Nola K. Snodgrass Gerrard.

She was preceded in death by her loving husband of 64 years, James Lee Funk, Sr., whom she married on April 4, 1947.

Betty was also preceded in death by her two brothers, Thurman N. Gerrard, Jr. and his wife Dorothy, and Clayce Gerrard and his wife Bonnie; two brothers-in-law, Robert Page Funk and his wife Doris, and Donald Funk; one son-in-law, William (Bill) Sutton; and a very special cousin, Freda Michaels.

She is survived by three daughters, Sharon Mazzei of Johnson City, TN, Vicky Sutton of Punta Gorda, FL, and Debbie Nutter and her husband Gary of Clarksburg; two sons, Jimmy Funk and his wife Rosanna of Clarksburg, and Steve Funk of Nutter Fort; two brothers-in-law, Juan Schmidt of Clarksburg, and Richard Schmidt and his wife Karen of Katy, TX; special niece and nephew Kelli Stewart and Christopher Schmidt both of Texas; a dear cousin, Karen Betler of Nutter Fort; lifelong friend Margie Wolverton of Bridgeport; and several nieces and nephews whom she loved dearly.

"Grandma Betty" as she was affectionately called, also leaves behind eleven grandchildren, Scott Mazzei and his wife Leslie, Eric Mazzei, Matthew Mazzei all of Johnson City, TN, Michael Nutter and his wife Ashley of Bridgeport, Nicole Bennett and her husband Michael of Clarksburg, Brandy Sutton (Mark Yankowiak) of Bozeman, MT, Ashlea Sutton and her husband James of Wellington, FL, Chad Sutton and his wife Jennifer of Punta Gorda, FL, James Michael Funk (Kendra Sublette), Megan Kerr (Greg Carey) both of Clarksburg, and Tyler Rowe; and eleven great-grandchildren, LeeAnn Edgley and her husband Ethan, Ian Mazzei, Emily Mazzei, Faith Mazzei all of Tennessee, Nola Nutter, Nate Morrow both of Bridgeport, Sara Comer, Jacob Comer, Carson Bennett all of Clarksburg, Kole Sutton, and Wellington Sutton both of Florida.

A devoted homemaker, Betty filled her home with love, laughter, and creativity. She had a remarkable talent for cross-stitching and sewing, spending countless hours crafting beautiful designs that she and her family will cherish forever. Her passion for miniatures led her to build intricate dollhouses and attend miniature shows, where she shared her artistry and connected with fellow enthusiasts.

Betty was also an avid traveler. She and her husband Jim were always eager to spend the winter months visiting family and friends and they never missed an opportunity to attend sporting events and activities to cheer on their grandchildren near or far.

She was a proud graduate of Victory High School, Class of 1945, and an active member of the Vincent Memorial United Methodist Church where she belonged to the United Methodist Women's Club. Betty also enjoyed serving her community through her membership in the Lady Bugs Club.

Betty will be remembered for her kindness, patience, and the warmth she brought into every room. Her legacy of love will continue to live on through her family and the many lives she touched.

The family would like to thank Amedisys Hospice, and the staff of Maplewood Healthcare Center for their excellent care, with a special thanks to her caregiver, Tammy Swiger.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Nutter Fort Volunteer Fire Department.