Betty Jean Rawson

Betty was born on January 19, 1931, in Los Angeles, CA, to Myron A. and Alisa A. Eager. She grew up in Santa Monica, CA, alongside her two younger sisters, and developed a lifelong love for plants and gardening while working in her father’s nursery. In 1948, she married David E. Rawson. Together, they moved to San Fernando Valley, CA, to raise their three children. They later spent 33 wonderful years in Palm Harbor, FL before settling in Chuckey, TN, for the past 10 years.

Betty will be remembered for her generous spirit and her endless dedication to others, especially her family. Her talent for sewing—crafting everything from clothing and window treatments to elaborate children's costumes for ballet and school productions—was truly a gift. She was also a gifted artist across many mediums, even painting storefront windows with vibrant, holiday-themed murals.

A devoted member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, Betty touched countless lives. She served faithfully as a temple worker and dedicated over 25 years to teaching in the Primary organization. Affectionately known by the children as the “sucker (lollipop) lady,” Betty handed out suckers after church every single week. She absolutely loved the holidays and went all out decorating for every single one. She showed amazing patience, spending time each year building homemade gingerbread houses with her young grandchildren, playfully trying to hold the collapsing walls together as they decorated them.

Betty was preceded in death by her parents; her husband, David; her son, David Rhyse Rawson; and her sister, Josephine Knight. Betty is survived by her daughters, Melody A. Meyer and Zara A. March (and their husbands, Clarence “Bud” Meyer and Don C. March); her daughter-in-love, Nancy Mazone; her sister, Patsy J. Grabham; 7 grandchildren, Shawn Meyer, Stacy Sulewski, Don D. March, Matthew Rawson, Adam Rawson, Mark Rawson, and Ben Rawson; and 15 cherished great-grandchildren.

A informal viewing and celebration of life gathering will be held on July 25, 2026 at Sylvan Abbey Funeral Home in Clearwater, Florida, from 9:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. Graveside services for the immediate family will follow.

The family wishes to thank their friends and Amedisys Hospice for their exceptional love and support.

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