Betty Jean Dawkins

Betty Jean Dawkins, daughter of the late Henrietta Howard and Sammie Everett, was born on Friday, January 15, 1943, in Elkton, Maryland. She was raised by her paternal aunt, Bessie Everett, who loved her dearly. Betty Jean earned her heavenly wings on Friday, October 9, 2020, in Wilmington, Delaware. Betty’s journey as a mother began when she gave birth to her firstborn son, Dwayne Wesley and soon after giving birth to her firstborn daughter, Darcell Jones. Her marriage to Melvin Earl resulted in five children together, Diavetta Huger-Johnson (Timothy), Terrance Earl (predeceased), Pamela Earl, Melvin Earl, Jr. and Desmond Earl. Betty lived her early childhood and early adulthood years in Elkton, Maryland and later relocated to Wilmington, Delaware, where she met and married Charles Dawkins (predeceased). Together, they raised two of their grandchildren, Frederick Everett and Terray Earl, as well as, two of their great grandchildren, Kelvin Conerway and Kayona Everett. Betty Jean, as she was affectionately called, received her early education in the public schools of Cecil County. It was her caring, loving and affectionate spirit towards ALL that inspired her to work in the healthcare industry and aided people with disabilities and special needs, as well as taking care of the elderly. Betty’s extraordinary love for all children contributed to her decision on opening a Home Child Care Center. She provided a loving and caring environment for several children from inside and outside of her community. She also provided home care assistance to her grandchildren, and great-grandchildren. She would wake up early in the morning to provide transportation to the children whose parents were unable to get their children to and from daycare. Through rain, sleet or snow she was there. Betty taught her children the importance of sharing, being kind and having love and respect for one another. She guided them and helped them develop and understand the skills needed to be successful in life. The smile on her face when she spoke of the children’s unique personalities, uplifted everyone’s spirit who was in the room listening. Teaching, loving and caring for those children was her inspiration, pride and joy. With her Aunt Bessie's guidance, Betty was introduced to Jesus Christ at a very young age and considered herself a Christian, however, she was middle aged when she finally decided to fully dedicate her walk of life to Christ. She became a member of the Church of Deliverance, under the leadership of Pastor Bishop Roosevelt Burns and her walk with God blossomed tremendously. She loved attending services and worshipping to the sweet sound of a variety of gospel music. Artists that she liked include, Shirley Caesar, Jay Caldwell and the Ambassadors, Williams Brothers, Bolton Brothers, Gospel Keynotes, Luther Barnes, The Mighty Clouds of Joy and Kirk Franklin. When asked, during a recent visit, to name her most favorite gospel artist and what song she would want to hear, she stated “John P. Kee, I Made It Out, and that song played first. Betty Jean’s, “MAGNETIC PERSONALITY”, as well as her obedience to God, contributed to her being led by the Holy Spirit to spread the word of God to many different people from all walks of life. She and her husband Charles happily walked this journey together. Her dedication, love and obedience to Christ inspired her to become very active in supportive to several different churches under many different leaders. Betty became an ordained minister and opened her own church, Jesus Be Ready, located in the south side of Wilmington, Delaware. She had a small, dedicated and very supportive congregation. Betty Jean was a very forgiving lady and her representation for Jesus Christ was very strong and sincere. No matter what trials and tribulations, threats, manipulation, jealousy, envy or attempts that were made to knock her integrity, she forgave you. Betty Jean met people, young and old, who became so inspired and encouraged by her love for Jesus Christ, they too wanted to know and dedicate their lives to Him. By the grace of GOD, many souls were saved through her ministry. Her religious way of life will always be honored and cherished by her loving family members. Her legacy for the love of Jesus Christ will always remain in their hearts and prayers. Knowing that they too, through dedication to God, will follow in her footsteps, to try their best to live life as God has intended them to live. Betty Jean had a very strong love for her family, especially her children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren, as well as her friends and church family. She was strong-willed and accomplished all that she set out to do. Christmas, a holiday filled with love, joy and happiness for many people all over the world, was her favorite, because it recognized and celebrated the birth of Jesus Christ. She would always go above and beyond and made sure she prepared a great meal for everyone to enjoy. She showered her invited guests with many gifts of love. She would also wrap extra gifts in case someone came by unexpectedly, but never expected anything in return. We would ask each other what gift could we give a person who has already been blessed with everything and came to the conclusion that “you give them your presence”. She was always so grateful to spend the day with her family and loved ones. Betty Jean was loved by all who knew her. Betty Jean was predeceased by her husband, Charles Dawkins; son, Terrance Earl, paternal aunt, Bessie Everett, whom she called “Mom”; her only brother, Fredrick Howard; and special first cousin, Mary Wesley, whom Betty was raised with and considered her sister. Betty leaves to cherish her memories, three daughters, Darcell Jones of Elkton, MD, Diavetta Huger-Johnson (Timothy) of Orlando, FL and Pamela Earl of Wilmington, DE; three sons, Dwayne Wesley, Melvin Earl Jr., and Desmond Earl (Michelle) of Elkton, MD; seven granddaughters, Lakeisha Clark, Kimwana Earl, Cherie Lawrence, Tanisha Earl, Terray Earl, Michelle Wesley and Monique Stanford; six grandsons, Dwayne Wesley Jr., Harry Jones, Jr., Jaquan Gordon, Raheem Randolph, Deshawn Bessix and Todd Wilson; 20 great-grandchildren; two special nieces, Annette Graves and Linda Wesley Ray; a great host of nieces, nephews, cousins, in-laws, church family and friends.

Betty Jean Dawkins

January 15, 1943 - October 9, 2020