Betty Jean (Duclos) Teague

Betty Jean Teague, age 91, died at Kingsbridge House in Brevard, NC on February 21, 2019. Born August 16, 1927, she was adopted in Charlotte, NC at the Junior League Baby Home by Odilon Duclos and Maggie McCall Duclos. Betty Jean was proud to have been “chosen” by her loving parents who predeceased her. William Marshall Teague, her second husband, preceded her in death.  

Betty Jean was a graduate of Brevard High School and Brevard College. She was a lifelong member of First Baptist Church in Brevard. She enjoyed being an active member of the Sylvan Valley Garden Club and NC Cooperative Extension Service Home Demonstration Club. During the years Sylvan Valley Garden Club planted and maintained flowers in the city of Brevard, Betty Jean filled and hauled containers of water to town early each morning to water flowers, as she took pride in being part of beautifying Brevard. Home Demonstration Club gave her the opportunity for continuing home economics education on food, nutrition, health, and evolving educational programs to fit needs of the time for homemakers as well as arts and crafts projects that she enjoyed as a hobby. As a member of American Legion Auxiliary, she considered it an honor to participate in National Poppy Day to distribute red poppies made by veterans in exchange for donations to assist disabled and hospitalized veterans.  

Betty Jean was lauded by family and friends as an excellent cook and baker. Trying out a new recipe daily was a joy for her, even after becoming widowed. Cooking and eating nutritiously along with living a healthy lifestyle were just routine for Betty Jean; however, in later years she loved keeping a stash of candy so called “to give to the great-grandchildren.” Learning something new every day was important to her.  If you met her, you were probably asked, “What have you learned today?” Betty Jean enjoyed daily walks, crocheting afghans, reading, gardening, caring for dozens of indoor plants, phone conversations with friends and family, and feeding wild birds and squirrels. She loved animals and always had a cat. The last two, Kramer and Trapper, lived with her when she lived at College Walk in Brevard. 

Having acquired the European daily grocery shopping habit while living in Germany, Betty Jean continued being a daily early morning walker and shopper until no longer able to drive. Being one who never met a stranger, she loved greeting members and newcomers at church, striking up conversations with other shoppers wherever she shopped and continued being a “welcomer” after moving into assisted living. Being thoughtful and caring, she sent cards for all occasions to friends and family. She cared about those with disabilities that lived in a group home she regularly visited, taking their favorite candies and baked goodies. One of these residents called her almost daily to check on her even after she was no longer able to drive and visit. Kingsbridge staff shared they will miss seeing her smile upon their arrival each shift and asking, “Are you okay?” followed by her response, “Everything will be okay.” One would often find Betty Jean smiling, giving hugs, and saying, “We have so much to be grateful for.” She lived “Hugs are better than words.” She was the epitome of an optimist until her passing.

Survivors include daughter, Betty Llyn Nicholson Shook (Bill) Hendersonville, NC; granddaughter, Trina Hendricks (Jon), Brevard, NC; grandson, Kevin D. Shook, Brevard, NC; great-grandsons, Gavin, Logan and Jamie Bingham, Zane and Larson Shook, step-great-grandson, Jonathan Hendricks.  

Celebration of Life will be private. Interment of cremains will be in Gillespie-Evergreen Cemetery in Brevard.  

Memorials donations may be made to: 
Lupus Foundation of America, Inc.
2121 K Street NW, Suite 200
Washington, DC 20037

Special thanks for TLC provided by Kingsbridge House staff, physical therapists of Broad River Rehab, and Four Seasons Palliative Care nurse practitioners Reggie & Danette. A special thank you to Transylvania CarePartners Hospice doctors and staff, particularly nurses Suzanne, Alex, Elizabeth, Brittany, & Keitha for personal and compassionate care for Betty Jean and her family. In addition, thank you to the dogs and their owners from Wild Dog Training in Brevard for weekly visits to provide therapeutic comfort.

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