Betty Jane Hendry

Jane was born on February 18, 1930, in Dover, Florida, to Irene (Touchstone) and Charles Falkner. She is survived by her daughter, Debbie Hendry (Bob Gillespie), of Stamford, CT, and son, R. Steve Hendry (Anne) of Atlanta; three granddaughters, Kathryn Hendry (Chase Heard), Isabella Hendry (Timothy Burke), and Megan Hendry; and one great-grandson, Finn. She was preceded in death in 1994 by Earl, her husband of 46 years, and sons John and Ronald (Diana). Jane is also survived by her brother, William Falkner (Virginia), of Fremont, IA; her sisters-in-law Patricia Sellers (Kenneth), and Lavern Hamilton, both of the Tampa area; and many nieces and nephews.

Jane enjoyed careers as a model and as a car dealership bookkeeper. She lived in New York, Charleston, SC, and Long Beach, CA to follow her husband’s naval career, while parenting four young children. She is still remembered by her chidrens’ friends as a formidable disciplinarian during a school teacher’s strike, and her home was the popular gathering place for neighborhood children. After retiring with her husband, Earl, to Ocala, FL, she owned the Orange Blossom Opry in Weirsdale, FL, for several years and enjoyed bringing music to the greater Ocala community. The July 7, 2000 Orlando Sentinel lauded Jane’s entrepreneurial spirit and Jane stated that the Opry was ready “for a woman’s touch.” She was very proud of her business acumen, and also enjoyed puzzles, visiting with friends, and community work.

The Hendry family would like to extend our gratitude to the staff of Budd Terrace at Wesley Woods and Senior Helpers of Atlanta. A private funeral service will be held at Sunset Memory Gardens near Tampa, FL. Memorials may be made to the charity of the giver’s choice.