Betty Early Sandifer

Betty Rosabelle Happy Early Sandifer, 94, passed away peacefully on April 7, 2025. Betty was born in Liberty, MO to Pearl and Beulah Happy in 1930. She graduated from Liberty High School and was active in Thespians, playing starring roles, and was Editor of the high school yearbook. While attending a basketball game at William Jewell College, she met Lawrence “Larry” Early Jr and the two were married in 1953. With their growing family, Betty and Larry moved to Jacksonville, FL in 1959 where they set down roots. Betty became a lifelong member of Arlington Christian Church where she served as a Sunday School teacher, youth leader, treasurer, board member, choir member, Elder and whatever the church needed. She was deeply devoted to her family, sewing beautiful clothes for her children and she always had a stocked pantry of homemade jellies, her legendary pickles, and sweet treats for her children and their friends. Betty loved playing bridge with her dear girlfriends and was active with several bridge groups into her 90’s. As her children grew older, Betty worked at the William R. Cesery Company as a leasing agent before becoming Executive Assistant to Mr. Cesery and retiring after more than 25 years. As her children worked their ways through college, she somehow knew when funds were low and surprised them with an unexpected but much needed check in the mail. After Larry passed away, Betty started a new chapter in her life with Emory Homer Sandifer, a widower and fellow church member, and the two were married in 1998. Betty and Homer enjoyed hiking in Switzerland and traveling to the National Parks, while staying active in the church. Betty was a firm believer in silently serving others, which she did for years becoming known for her weekly visits to the infirmed and delivering her homemade soups to residents of the Florida Christian Center. In addition to Larry, she was predeceased by her brother Ed Happy, sister Mary Kriebs, and daughter Yvonne Early Schierbaum. She is survived by her husband Homer, children Lawrence III “Trey” (Jamie), Marcia Thiel (Richard), David (Lori), eight grandchildren and two great grandchildren.

The family looks forward to receiving friends at an informal reception being held at Cypress Village Senior Living Retirement Center in Jacksonville on Sunday, April 27th between 2 and 4 pm. Please join us for stories, laughter and maybe a few tears. We love you MORE, Mom.

In lieu of flowers please consider making a donation in Betty's memory to The Florida Christian Senior Enrichment Center, 1115 Edgewood Ave. S., Jacksonville, FL 32205 (https://www.flseniorcenter.org/donate).