Betty Jean Seymour Sloan, cherished mother, grandmother, great‑grandmother, partner, and friend, passed away peacefully on September 24, 2026, at the age of 85. Her life was a tapestry of creativity, devotion, and deep love for her family.
Born on November 6, 1940, in Franklin, Illinois, Betty was the daughter of Lloyd Homer Seymour and Opal Ellen Seymour. She grew up alongside her brothers, Robert and Donald, all of whom preceded her in death. In 1975, Betty made Arizona her home, where she built a life filled with warmth, tradition, and connection.
Betty was a gifted crafter whose hands were rarely still. She was an accomplished quilter, crocheter, seamstress, and ceramic artist, creating pieces that were as enduring as the love she poured into them. Her quilts wrapped generations in comfort, her crocheted gifts were treasured keepsakes, and her ceramics reflected her eye for beauty and detail.
She was known for her legendary pies and her famous macaroni and cheese, dishes that became staples at family gatherings and symbols of her generosity. Betty loved to play cards, and the laughter and friendly competition around the table were some of her happiest moments.
Betty is survived by her three daughters, who were the center of her world: Debra Kay Petersen, Gail Lee Chen, and Cheryl Elaine Dickerson, along with their husbands. She leaves behind a large and loving family of children, grandchildren, and great‑grandchildren, each carrying forward her legacy of kindness, creativity, and resilience.
She is also survived by her devoted life partner of 35 years, James Mullins, with whom she shared companionship, joy, and a lifetime of memories.
Betty’s life was defined by love—love for her family, love for her craft, and love for the simple, meaningful moments that make a life full. Her warmth, her steady presence, and her generous spirit will be deeply missed and forever remembered.
Her family takes comfort in knowing she is reunited with those who went before her, and that her legacy lives on in every stitch, every recipe, and every cherished memory she leaves behind