Margaret Elizabeth Hennessey "Betty" Corry

Margaret Elizabeth Hennessey "Betty" Corry

Margaret Elizabeth Hennessey "Betty" Corry, 91, wife of the late James Edmund Corry, mother of four sons, grandmother of 12 children, and great grandmother of five, died at her family home in Quincy on May 18, 2011.

Betty was born in Saranac Lake, New York on November 20, 1919, where she lived until her family moved to Miami in the 1920's. After attending the University of Miami and Florida State College for Women, she returned to Miami at the beginning of WWII and worked as an overseas operator for Southern Bell. It was there she met the love of her life, James Edmund Corry, at the Naval Base. After the couple was married, they moved to Jacksonville after the war ended and had their first son, Bill. They later moved to Quincy, Ed's childhood home, and joined Ed's uncle in the construction industry. The couple was blessed with three more sons as Betty helped manage the families' business operations while working as a full time mom in raising four boys. Even as the family businesses continued to expand outside of Quincy, Betty's first priority was always her family. Her four children, Bill Corry and his wife, Stephanie, of Tallahassee, Jim Corry and his wife, Chris, of Lynn Haven, Jack Corry and his wife, Lorrie, of Tallahassee, and Stephen Corry and his wife, Denise, of Tallahassee survive her.

Betty was very active in her church and encouraged all of her sons to attend youth programs, Sunday school, and church every week as they grew up. She was also active in the St. Pauls' Foster Children Christmas program, Pilots Club, Cub Scounts, Brownie Scouts, the PTO, substitute teaching, and many other civic activities.

Betty appreciated and adored each of her 12 grandchildren and her five great grandchildren. They each felt that "Bay Bay/Grand Betty" was a very special gift in their lives.

Her 12 grandchildren are: John Allen Corry, Nida Hennessey Corry, Carolyn Corry Dyer with husband David Dyer, William Walden Corry, Jr., Jennifer Ruth Corry, John Howard Corry, Christy Jean Corry, Edmund Taylor Corry, Shannon Hennessey Corry, Amanda Leigh Corry, Emma Diane Corry, and Rachel Elizabeth Corry. She is also survived by her five great grandchildren: Anna Lynn Corry, John Allen Corry, III, Elizabeth Hennessey Corry, Attilyn Elizabeth Dyer and Layden Samuel Dyer.

Betty's love for her family and friends was deep and true. Her concern for the less fortunate created a passion in her to help and comfort them her whole life. Whether preparing a family meal on Sunday, or providing Christmas for a child she would never meet, Betty's joy reflected in all she did.

She was a patient and loving wife, raised her four boys with a cautious eye, while giving them independence to find their own way; and she treasured her friends as family. There was always that constant smile with an Irish twinkle that drew people to her. It only took seconds to fall under her spell of laughter and joy in living. She was grateful to her God for all the blessings He had given her, and she cherished her relationship with Him.

Betty was a blessing to anyone who knew and loved her, and it was impossible to know her and not love her.

"Betty" was a 60 year member of St. Paul's Episcopal Church of Quincy. A funeral service will be held on Sunday, May 22, 2011 at 2:00 p.m. at St. Paul's Episcopal Church in Quincy. In lieu of flowers, donations in her memory may be made to St. Paul's Episcopal Church, 10 W. King Street, Quincy, FL 32351 or to Covenant Hospice, 1545 Raymond Diehl Rd., Ste 150, Tallahassee, FL 32308.

The family wishes to thank special friends who made the end of her life happier, safer and more interesting, especially Betty Lee, Susie Franks, Linda Sailor, Sylvia Hammond, and Marvette Fudge.

Arrangements by Charles McClellan Funeral Home, Quincy, Florida 850-627-7677.