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Baton Rouge, Louisiana

Betty Bergeron Obituary

Betty Bergeron, a dedicated Baton Rouge community volunteer, passed away on the 26th of August, 2019 at the age of 93. Born in Kentwood, LA, on November 13, 1925, Betty Ruth Kemp was the daughter of Wilfred Henry ("T-Buddy") Kemp and Athalee Fussell Kemp. She moved to Baton Rouge at an early age, and her parents owned and operated Kemp's Drug Store on Main Street. After graduation from Baton Rouge High School in 1942, Betty attended LSU until her marriage to U.S. Army Air Corps Lieutenant Emile Duvernet ("Ed") Bergeron on September 7, 1944. Her years in volunteerism began in 1952 when her family was directly affected by that decade's polio epidemic. For one year, she showed a weekly movie to the pediatric patients in the polio ward at Baton Rouge General Hospital. As her years as a Cub Scout den mother and grade school room mother ended, Betty expanded her volunteering into a "career" when faced with an "empty nest." She was an enthusiastic, innovative, and creative Sunday School teacher to second graders for over 44 years at her beloved First United Methodist Church. Her tenure in that position was so lengthy that she was blessed to be able to teach many of the children of former students. She was a driving force behind the success of The Boutique, a resale shop at her church that sells donated items and distributes the generated funds to charities and various FUMC activities. The church's XYZ ("Xtra Years of Zest") Club also benefitted from Betty's energy and dedication. Her service to her church and faith earned her the United Methodist Women Service Award. In 1966, Betty joined the Baton Rouge General Medical Center Auxiliary and accumulated over 13,500 service hours. She devoted much of her creativity to the merchandise displays in the gift shop and arranged seasonal floral bouquets for the chapel. In addition to being a floor worker, a patient interviewer, and a surgical waiting room volunteer, Betty also served a term as auxiliary president. She was the 1985 recipient of the Woman of Achievement Award from the Zonta Club of Baton Rouge. Betty pursued numerous interests and passions aside from her work in her community. She enjoyed flower arranging, calligraphy, reading, and creative writing. She looked forward to the daily newspaper crossword puzzle and could easily be talked into a game of Scrabble. Known by family members as "Granny" and by friends as "Mrs. B", she is survived by her two sons and daughters-in-law, Scott and Michele Bergeron of Cary, NC, and Matt and Dottie Bergeron of Livingston, TX. Additional survivors include 3 granddaughters: Susan Nagy of Gallatin, TN, and her daughters Addison, Emerson, and Alexa; Amy Panessa and husband Brian of Atlanta, GA, and their daughter Riley and son Ryan; and Ashley Segroves of Nashville, TN. Surviving grandsons are Adam Bergeron and wife Kerri of Las Vegas, NV, and son Marshall; and Alex Bergeron of Metuchen, NJ. Her surviving extended family are sister-in-law Marjorie Kemp, nephew Stephen Kemp, and nieces Kathi Kemp and Sherry Flynn. She was preceded in death by her parents, her husband, and her brother, Jack Russell Kemp. The family wishes to extend special appreciation to Rebecca Mitchell of the Care Team from First United Methodist Church. Her devotion to "Mrs. B" during these past few years has been a true blessing. Visitation with the family will be held at First United Methodist Church of Baton Rouge at 930 North Boulevard on Thursday, September 12, 2019 at 10:00 am followed by the funeral service at 11:00 am. Burial will follow in Resthaven Gardens of Memory.

Published by The Advocate from Sep. 9 to Sep. 12, 2019.
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Memories and Condolences
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My prayers are with you Matt and Scott. She was a special lady. Sharing her love of life, laughter and smiles. I will treasure the memories, words of wisdom and laughter she shared with me while visiting in the boutique or at her home. She will be missed.

Paula Mercer

September 13, 2019

There will never be another BB, but I will try in the ways that I can best! This amazing lady was part of my life for about 40 years, still not enough. Condolences, but also the joy of knowing we knew her and loved her. What a lady!

cynthia marron

September 12, 2019

I have nothing but fond memories of growing up with this wonderful lady in my life. I will always remember her pancakes. She made the best.

Butch henderson

September 11, 2019

What a wonderful woman and amazing life! The Shaffer family holds a special memory of Betty as a dear friend to our father in their later years. We send our condolences and big hugs, Matt and Scott.

Helen, Bill, Michael, Marcia, Laura Shaffer

September 11, 2019

Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family. Employees that worked with Mrs. Betty were reminiscing this morning about what a joy it was to know her and befriend her during her volunteer service at Baton Rouge General. May memories of her wonderful personality and many contributions in the community be celebrated by all.

Symil LeDoux
Director of Volunteer Services
Baton Rouge General

Symil LeDoux

September 11, 2019

My Deepest Sympathy to Scott,Matt & all family members. She married the year I was born. She was my Idol. I wanted to grow up and be just like her. Have a Deep love for God & serve others. I am 75 now & have also been a Room Mother for my children when they were in Grade School, was a Cub Scout leader for my 2 boys. I am a Catholic as Boots was & have served in Many capacities since 1974. I never did volunteer at a Hospital for I was in so many organizations at My Church; But my baby sister, Lynette did:) & at the B R General. I often wondered what happened to her and regret that I never found her to tell her how MUCH influence she had on me. May she RIP. She was a Beautiful Child of God in every way!!! I love U Betty, Love Irene Henderson Martin- La Fleur

September 10, 2019

Sincerest condolences. May God give you strength and heal your broken hearts at this extremely difficult time.

September 10, 2019

Scott, Michelle and girls, I am so very sorry for your loss. My prayers are with Mrs. B and your family.

Ann

September 10, 2019

Rest in Heaven my sweet Ms. B. you touched so many people with your kindness. We had some good days. Prayers to the family. Alice

Alice Winfield

September 9, 2019

Rest in Heaven my sweet Ms. B. you touched so many people with your kindness. We had some good days. Prayers to the family. Alice

Alice Winfield

September 9, 2019

Condolences to Scott and Matt and their families. Your mom was one of the sweetest memories of my childhood. She and my mom were such good friends.

Jim Mitchell

September 9, 2019

Im so sorry for your loss, sending my deepest condolences, please take comfort in knowing that God cares personally for you and your family

September 7, 2019

Please accept my deepest and heartfelt sympathy. May the God who binds up the broken-hearted comforts all who mourn sustain your family during this challenging time.(Isaiah 61: 1,2.)

TS/JW

September 6, 2019

September 6, 2019

Granny - your family will miss you terribly. What a great mom, mother in law, and grandmother to all of us.

Michele Bergeron

September 6, 2019

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Memorial Events
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Sep

12

Visitation

10:00 a.m. - 11:00 a.m.

First United Methodist Church of Baton Rouge

930 North Boulevard, LA

Funeral services provided by:

Rabenhorst Funeral Home & Crematory - Downtown

825 Government Street, Baton Rouge, LA 70802

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