Obituary of Betty Jane Whiting

Betty Jane Blassingame, Whiting, a loving wife, mother, grandmother, sister and friend, went on to her heavenly home on October 21, 2020 after a courageous battle with cancer. The devotion and unconditional love Betty had for her family and friends, as well as her unwavering trust and faith in God, supported her in this struggle and was her genuine source of strength and peace. Betty was born to the late Dr. Doak and Helen Blassingame in Denison, TX on July 9, 1944. She often shared fond memories of growing up in the quant town of Denison with her four siblings, as well as attending Denison High School (Class of ’62), where she was on the Cheer Squad and Student Council, and where she was proudly elected “Speech Sweetheart” by her peers. A significant event occurred one football Friday night in 1961 that would forever change the course of Betty’s life. The Denison Yellow Jackets were anxiously preparing to face their biggest school rival, the Highland Park Scots. Betty Blassingame, a Senior member of the Denison High School cheerleading squad, presented the Captain of the football team, #64 John Whiting, with a challenge he couldn’t resist. Betty promised John that if Denison could pull off a win that night (which they had never done before), she would run directly onto the field to present him with a kiss. As fate (or sheer determination) would have it, Denison High School won the football game, John won the kiss, and this moment marked the start of Betty and John’s 58 year strong love story. After high school, Betty and John attended the University of North Texas where Betty found lifelong friends as a member of the Alpha Delta Pi sorority, and where she graduated with a Bachelor of Education in 1966 to prepare for her ten year career in teaching elementary school. Betty and John were married on August 21, 1966, starting the next chapter of their lives together. John was in the United States Air Force, which led them first to Panama City, Florida, then outside of their comfort zone, all the way to Germany. Betty often shared wonderful memories of their time spent in Germany, the highlights being their extensive international travel (Austria, France, Romania, Switzerland, Belgium, England and Scotland), being selected as the “Sembach Fasching Ball Princess” and predominantly featured in the newspaper, and most importantly, giving birth to their first daughter, Nancy Lynn. Betty, John and Nancy returned to the States in 1971 and settled on the North Dallas area, where their second daughter, Allison Jane, was born. Betty stayed joyful and active during this time of her life by teaching, mothering two daughters, dating her high school sweetheart and engaging in social activities with dear friends, such as her beloved bridge group. Betty became an active member of the Richardson Symphony Orchestra Guild, where she took on many important leadership and fundraising roles within the organization. She also started attending bi-weekly aerobics classes, which she faithfully continued for over the next thirty years. During this stage of life, Betty and John became regular “extras” on the popular television drama, “Dallas”. Stacks of VHS tapes hold hours of footage where Betty could be seen in the “not so distant” background pretending to dine at a restaurant or strolling glamorously in a crowd around Southfork Ranch. It was also during this time that Betty and John found their church home at the First United Methodist Church of Richardson, where Betty’s acts of service included volunteering with the moving committee when the church expanded, and more recently, serving with the welcoming committee, greeting church parishioners with warm hugs and genuine smiles as they entered the sanctuary. During the “empty nester” years, Betty and John enjoyed traveling, and although the list is extensive, her most memorable trips included a River Cruise to Normandy, a Mediterranean Cruise to Israel and surrounding areas, and a guided bus tour to the USA National Parks. It was during this time that Betty joined the Northwood Woman’s Club, engaging in their many philanthropic endeavors, fundraising needs and social events. Through NWC and the friendships made, Betty became involved in an Antique Group, a Travel Group, a Quilting Group, a Mahjong Group, and most recently, the Chapter II Book Club. Betty also joined a Bible Study Group where she found special fellowship with other Christian sisters through studying and learning the Word of God. Betty wholeheartedly cherished her family, and she went above and beyond to make family time special for everyone. Family and loved ones looked forward to the annual Fourth of July pool party where laughter was guaranteed and “Betty’s baked beans” were a favorite on the menu. Every Christmas, Betty spent countless hours beautifully decorating every square inch of the home, wrapping elaborate packages that would rival the most exclusive window display and working for days to create the perfect meal to serve for Christmas Eve dinner. One of her most treasured activities was following her grandkids’ athletic pursuits, and each of them knew that “Grandmommy” was their biggest fan. Betty also relished her 4:00pm weekday activity of settling into her favorite recliner and watching the latest drama unfold in Judge Judy’s courtroom. Whether it be an acquaintance or a lifelong friend or family member, Betty was known by all for her unmatched sense of humor, for her infectious laugh, for her ability to light up a room with her beautiful smile, for her elegant fashion sense and for her unconditional kindness. Although the loss of her physical presence will be a continuous journey of healing and grieving, there is genuine comfort and hope knowing that she now rests in the arms of our creator. Betty is more alive with Christ than she has ever been, and her treasured legacy will forever live in our hearts. Betty is preceded in death by her parents, Dr. Weldon Doak and Helen Shryock Blassingame; and her brother, Jan Blassingame. She is survived by her husband of 54 years, John Hunt Whiting, and their beloved dog, Ty; her daughter, Nancy Lynn Scheer (husband Troy) of Flower Mound, TX; her daughter, Allison Jane Arne (husband Michael) of Frisco, TX; four grandchildren, Lairen Scheer, Gunner Scheer, Payton Gissler and Patrick Arne; her brother, Ames Blassingame (wife Lori); her brother, Dean Blassingame (wife Jan); and her sister, Lynne Brooks (husband Ron). In addition to family, Betty was blessed by countless longtime friends that loved her dearly and whose friendships she cherished immensely. Betty’s life and legacy will be celebrated on Tuesday, December 1, 2020 at 2:00pm, and her family welcomes all to join virtually via FUMCR.com/live. In lieu of customary remembrances, memorial contributions in Betty’s name may be directed to the First United Methodist Church Richardson, 503 N. Central Expressway, Richardson, Texas 75080.