Mrs. Betty Jane McPherson, 94, of Smithsburg, MD, passed away, Sunday, May 12, 2024, at Doey’s House in Hagerstown, MD.
Born October 3, 1929, in Smithsburg, she was the daughter of the late Samuel Victor and Mary Elizabeth (Lizor) Helfrick.
She and her husband, the late Joda William McPherson were married October 11, 1958, in Waynesboro. Joda passed away on December 3, 2019, after 61 years of marriage.
Betty was a talented seamstress. She loved children and she used that passion to open a day care in Pikesville, MD. Her entrepreneur spirit propelled her to find new ways to grow, always finding new interests. Betty was devoted to giving care to others and had done so her whole life; first with her children and then her husband. She was a lifetime member of the Assemblies of God Churches across the area and was always involved in ministry work within the church. She also had a special love for the ocean.
She is survived by her five children, Gary L. McPherson and his fiancé Catalina of Smithsburg, Shirley A. McPherson of Baltimore, MD, Dale W. McPherson and his wife Dawn of York, PA, Bonnie L. Kozowyj and her husband Waldo of Dundalk, MD, and Donna K. Riberdy and her husband Brian of Waterford, NY; two grandchildren, Tyler W. Riberdy and Calen M. McPherson; a great-granddaughter, Ava Wren McPherson; a sister, Kathleen E. “Katy” McLucas, and several nieces and nephews.
In addition to her parents and husband, she was preceded in death by six sisters, Mildred I. Clark, M. Isabelle Henry, Helen J. Bumbaugh, Louella M. Barnhart, S. LaRue Kriner, an infant sister, Margaret S. Helfrick and three brothers, Richard R. “Dick” Helfrick, Russell R. Helfrick, and Isaac F. Helfrick.
Services will be held at 7:00 P.M., on Friday May 17, 2024, at Grove-Bowersox Funeral Home, 50 S. Broad St., Waynesboro, with Pastor Dwan Newsome officiating.
The family will receive friends from 5:00 P.M. until the time of the service, at the funeral home.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Doey’s House, 515 E. Wilson Blvd, Hagerstown, MD 21740, Hospice of Washington County, 1710 Underpass Way, Suite 300, Hagerstown, MD 21740 or St. Jude Children’s Hospital at www.stjude.org/give
The family wishes to express their gratitude to all the staff at Doey’s House for their compassion during this difficult time. They would like to give a special thanks to Dr. West and Nurses Krista, Dawn, Becca, Katie, Lauren, and Sue for their kindness and compassion.
Her children would also like to extend their gratefulness to Gary and Catalina who provided Betty’s daily care with tireless commitment in her final years.
