Betty Jean Leonard Tallent

Betty Jean Leonard Tallent, 87, of Morganton, NC passed away Thursday, November 10, 2016. She was born on December 13, 1928 in Lincoln County, NC and was the daughter of the late Herman Taylor Leonard and Edna Gilbert Leonard. Betty was a retired employee of Western Carolina Center. She was a loving and devoted wife, mother, sister, grandmother and great-grandmother. Her joy was spending time with and caring for her family. She was also an avid gardener and cook. Betty was an active member of Cross Memorial Baptist Church and dearly loved her church family.
In addition to her parents she was preceded in death by her husband of 55 years, Guy Aaron Tallent; brothers, Steele and Jack Leonard; and sister, Helen Ramsey.
She is survived by son, Larry Tallent and wife, Pat; daughters, Jan Billings and husband, Brennan and Celeste Tallent; sister, Joan May all of Morganton; grandchildren, Charles Morris, Holly Anderson, Mitchell Tallent, Chesley Merrill, and Patrick Billings; great-grandchildren, Madison Tallent, Serena Morris, Simone Anderson, and Kaleb Tallent.
The family will receive friends from 2:00 p.m. until 3:00 p.m., Sunday, November 13, 2016 at Cross Memorial Baptist Church. The service will follow at 3:00 p.m. at the church with Dr. Jeffrey Beach officiating. Burial will follow at Burke Memorial Park. Memorial contributions may be made to Burke Hospice and Palliative Care, Inc., 1721 Enon Rd., Morganton, NC 28690 or to Cross Memorial Baptist Church, 650 Enola Rd., Morganton, NC 28655.
Sossoman Funeral Home and Crematory Center is assisting the family with the arrangements.