Betty Jean Fossett Scott was born Sept. 9, 1934, in Chico, Texas, the daughter of Lester and Pearl (Simpson) Haney. She passed away April 12, 2005, at Sweden, Mo.
Jean married Paul Emory Fossett on Aug. 4, 1951, in Eastland, Texas. Paul and Jean were blessed with two sons, Samuel Lester in 1955, and Dannie Paul in 1957. In May of 1953 Jean graduated as valedictorian of her class in Bakersfield, Calif.
In 1960, Jean and Paul moved to Ava, Mo. They purchased a farm in the Sweden community where they raised the family until Paul’s death in 1977.
Jean worked several years for Charlie Williams at Ozark Action at the Douglas County Courthouse. In 1973 she began a career with the Missouri Department of Social Services, working as a caseworker in Douglas County. She retired after 20 years of service in 1993.
Jean enjoyed collecting antiques, depression glassware, traveling and going to Mexico, and being with family. Jean was a member of the Methodist Church.
Jean developed Alzheimer’s at a very young age and fought a very courageous battle, touching the lives of many people. Jean was cared for by a very special friend, Leora Graham, for the past seven years, and most recently three special ladies, Ailene Medlock, Tina Stanley and Evelyn Taylor.
Jean is survived by her two sons and spouses, Sam and Terri Fossett, of Ava, and Dannie and Chris Fossett, Jersey City, N.J.; her grandchildren, Sammy and Delbert Helton, Gabe Fossett, Mindy and Donnie Crandall, Kirby and Tara Fossett, Jeff and Courtney Fossett-Davault, Cody and Tatum Fossett, Kasi Fossett and Staci Fossett; her great-grandchildren, Allison, Ciara, Claire, Celia, Garrett-Paul, Caleb, Nate, Zoe, Tanner-Paul, and Emma Jean; her sister, Anita Dickson, of Chico, Texas; and a number of relatives and friends.
Jean was preceded in death by her parents, her husband, Paul, and two brothers. Jean later married Jim Scott, who also survives.
No formal visitation is planned. Services will be held at 10 a.m. Saturday, April 16 at the Clinkingbeard Funeral Home, Ava, with the Rev. Max Stephens officiating. Interment will follow in the Ava Cemetery.
Memorials may be made to the Alzheimer’s Association.
