Betty Jean Cherry

Betty Jean Cherry
GREENVILLE -Betty Jean Little Cherry of Greenville and formerly of Washington and beloved wife, mother, and nana, passed into the arms of her Lord on Wednesday August 13, 2025. A celebration of life will be at 11:00 a.m. Saturday August 23, 2025, at First Baptist Church in Washington officiated by the Revs. Greg Barmer and Matt Carr, with a fellowship meal for all following the service.
 Jean was born in Winterville, NC on September 26, 1937, daughter of the late B.F. and Stella Norman Little.  She was educated at Winterville High School, where she played for the championship girls basketball team and was named to the 1955 Pitt County All-Conference team, and later received her Bachelor's degree in early childhood education from East Carolina University.  On July 23, 1961 she married Jack Franklin Cherry, a dashing Air Force Lieutenant and the north star of her life. She assisted children struggling with literacy for 35 years as a certified elementary school reading teacher in the Beaufort County Schools, where she was recognized in 1991 as a Teacher of the Year. After retirement, Jean volunteered for over twenty years at Beaufort County Hospital and with the Service League of Greenville. She was a faithful member of First Baptist for nearly sixty years, where she sang in the choir, was a dedicated leader of the Church's bereavement ministry, and served in many other capacities. Her hospitality, cooking, and sense of style were legendary, as was her love and devotion to her husband and family.
     Surviving along with her husband Jack of the home is daughter Dr. Michele Larson and husband Dr. Bob Larson of Cary; son Jeff Cherry and husband Lloyd Jones of Raleigh; brother John Little (Marlene) of Cary, grandchildren Dr. Kristen Larson (Dr. Farhan Khan) of Albuquerque, NM, Kevin Larson (Addison) of Winston-Salem, and Ryan Cherry of Raleigh and a host of beloved nieces and nephews.  She was predeceased by her parents, five brothers and three sisters.
 Flowers are welcome or memorial contributions may be made to First Baptist Church, 113 North Harvey Street, Washington, NC 27889.  Offer condolences online at www.paulfuneralhome.com