Betty Boerum - Obituary

etty Ann Boerum went home to be with our Lord Jesus Christ on Friday morning, July 11, 2008 after a lengthy battle with cancer. Born March 3rd, 1939, in Hyattsville, MD, she grew up with a house full of family -- Grandmother, uncles, cousins and siblings – a house where all family was welcome. Betty grew up with a love of family and music. Her singing gift was celebrated singing with a high school band where she met her husband of greater than 50 years. As a young mother of four, Betty's faith and love for music led her to take a leadership role as the Music Director for First Baptist Church of Edgewater for 35 years. Betty loved her church family and had a tremendous influence on many lives as the inspiration and leader of junior and adult choirs, handbell choirs, countless Vacation Bible School ministries, musical dramas and special music presentations at First Baptist Church of Edgewater. “Betty the Bus Driver,” as she has been lovingly called, worked for Owen's and then Lane Bus companies for greater than 40 years and brought her music to her young riders, singing as they rode to and from school. A devoted wife, mother, friend and grandmother, a humble person, Betty has shown love to -- and been loved by -- many. She is survived by her sister Barbara Stillions of Georgia; cousin Joanne Alley of Williamsburg, VA; our dear Uncle Jack Geary of Shepherdstown, West Virginia; her husband Warren; daughter Amber & husband Todd Larson, of New Market, MD; son Alan Boerum of Stevensville, MD; son John Boerum of West River, MD; and daughter Sandy & husband Dan Smith of Annapolis, MD. She had 7 wonderful grandchildren: Kristen & husband, Pippin Lynn, of Atlanta, GA; LTjg Kevin Swift of Virginia Beach, VA; Jake Larson of New Market, MD; Heather Boerum of Annapolis, MD; Brad & wife Hope Boerum of Virginia Beach, VA; Grant, Elliot, and Natalie Smith of Annapolis, MD; and her new great grandchild, Gracelyn May Boerum, of Va. Beach, VA. Betty was also profoundly blessed by her closest friend, Susan B. Duvall, of Stockbridge, GA. A Memorial Service and Celebration will be held at First Baptist Church of Edgewater—28 West Central Avenue, Edgewater, MD 21037 @ 2pm on Monday, July 13, 2008. A reception will follow in the Fellowship hall. Donations to First Baptist Church of Edgewater's Music Ministries are welcome in lieu of flowers. An online Guestbok is available @ www.kalasfuneralhomes.com .