Betty Jane Thaxton
August 31, 1926 - September 25, 2024
Betty Jane (Acierno) Thaxton, age 98, formerly of Sterling Heights, Michigan, passed away peacefully on September 25, 2024, in Marietta, Georgia. Beloved wife of Richard John Thaxton. Mother of Richard John II, Alan David, and Thomas Mark. Grandmother of AJ, RJ, Jennifer, Christopher, and Jonathan. Sister of Babe, John, and Mickey. Daughter of John and Jennie. Great-grandmother to seven granddaughters. Betty was the neighborhood magnet that brought people together, loved and respected by everyone fortunate enough to know her. She was cherished for her kindness, supportiveness, positivity, cheerfulness, intelligence, generosity, and loving nature.
Betty was born in New York. Her grandparents were first-generation Italian immigrants who became U.S. citizens in New York, bringing with them an entrepreneurial spirit. There are stories of candy stores, ice cream cone factories, a lumber business, a potato chip business, machine shops, and more. She had a fascinating childhood, living in Rochester and Buffalo, before eventually moving to Michigan. Betty helped with the family businesses and was an accomplished typist, proficient in shorthand, with the most beautiful cursive handwriting. She held various office jobs and could run and manage entire business operations.
Betty lived a long and fulfilling life, departing content and comfortable. She often said she was fulfilled and would leave with pleasant memories of her life and loved ones. She recently celebrated her 98th birthday, surrounded by family and friends, which brought her great joy. It was indeed a long and wonderful life.
