Betty Jean Draper Shires departed her earthly home on January 6, 2021 to reside for eternity with her loving heavenly Father. “Betty Jean” as many called her was born on April 29, 1942 in Roanoke, VA to the late John William Draper and the late Lottie Harris Draper.
She graduated from William Byrd High School and soon afterwards married the love of her life, Benjamin Shires, on December 24, 1960 and they enjoyed 60 wonderful years together.
Betty worked at Lloyd’s Jewelers, later Henebry’s, in Martinsville, VA for 24 years and loved to make her loyal customers happy with beautiful jewelry. So many remember her sweet smile when they would come into the jewelry store.
Those left to cherish her memory are her loving husband, Benny; her daughter Linda Penta (Brett Ratliff); two grandsons, Samuel Penta and Joshua Penta; sister-in-law Mary Ann Gwyn (Roy) and her aunt Betty Minter. Betty also leaves behind her faithful companion, Cookie, who was always by her side.
She was a member of First Baptist Church of Martinsville.
A floating visitation will be held at McKee-Stone Funeral Home in Martinsville on Wednesday, January 13, 2021 from 9am to 12pm. A graveside service will be held at Roselawn Burial Park at 2pm the same day and will be officiated by Reverend Dr. Libby Grammer, Senior Pastor First Baptist Church of Martinsville. Social distancing protocol with face coverings will be observed.
Memorials may be made to First Baptist Church of Martinsville, 23 Starling Avenue, Martinsville, VA. 24112.
