Betty Harrington

In sure and certain hope of resurrection, Betty Mae (nee’ Groover) Jackson Harrington, 97, loving daughter, sister, wife, mother, grandmother, great grandmother, aunt and friend, passed away unexpectedly at her home in Davenport, FL on December 9, 2020.
She was preceded in death by her parents, Irving and Gladys Groover. Her husband of 34 years, Harry L. Jackson, of Endwell. Her husband of 4 1/2 years, Roger Harrington, of Vestal. Her sisters and brothers-in-law: Dorothy (Arthur) Denison, Jean (Douglas) Taylor, Jane (Donald) Seymour. Her brothers-in-law Donald (Jean) Jackson. Kenneth (Phyllis) Jackson and Richard (Ann) Jackson. She is survived by her children: Richard Jackson (Susan, deceased), Davenport, FL; Vickie Maxon Longmont, CO; Gary (Colleen) Jackson, Ilion. NY; Lisa (Douglas) Collins, Amherst, NY. She is also survived by her step-children: Carol Harrington, Carmel, CA; Craig (Donna) Harrington, Gulf Shores, AL; Brian (Stephanie) Harrington, Vestal, NY; David (Kristina) Harrington, Vestal, NY. Betty is survived by her grandchildren: Joseph (Misti) Jackson, Wildwood, MO; Peter (Heather) Jackson, Cortland, NY; Mike (Lindsey) Jackson, Broadway, NC; Amanda Jackson, Davenport, FL; Rebecca Jonas, Denver, CO; Geoff Maxon, Longmont, CO; Joshua (Rebecca) Collins, Tonawanda, NY; Jacob Collins, Amherst, NY; Zachary Collins, Amherst, NY; Staci Harrington, Newton, AL; Jessica (Kelly) Bradley, Homewood, AL; Travis (Andrea) Harrington, West Greenwich, RI; Chase Harrington, Vestal, NY; Justin (Casey) Harrington, Little Rock, AR; Kaylin Harrington, Albany, NY. Betty is also survived by several great-grandchildren and very special nieces and nephews.
Betty graduated from Union-Endicott High School in 1942 and was employed by Rhinevault Trucking Company in Endwell prior to working for IBM as part of the war effort. When her husband, Harry, was sent to California on assignment with the US Navy, she moved to California to be with him. After the war Harry and Betty returned to Endwell with their son Rick, and began to expand and raise their family. In the early 50’s, she became the volunteer secretary for the Endwell United Methodist Church for eight years then later worked at Wilson Memorial Hospital in Human Resources. After Harry’s death in 1975, she worked as the Deputy Receiver of Taxes until she was elected as Receiver of Taxes for the Town of Union until her retirement.
Betty was a member of the Endwell United Methodist Church for 85 years. Betty and Harry were active members of the O. L. Davis Fire Company and its auxiliary up until the time of his death. Betty was a well-known, avid bowler participating in several local bowling and golf leagues. Harry and Betty spent many summers tent camping at Cayuga Lake State Park and in the Adirondacks before they purchased a place on Sandy Pond where they spent many happy summers with their family.
Betty married Roger Harrington in 1985 and embraced the country life of feeding turkeys and deer, boiling sap for maple syrup and enjoying the view of the valley from their hilltop home in Vestal.
Betty will be remembered for her devotion to her beloved dogs, Molly and Katie, her love of the NY Mets and Friday afternoon cards and games with her dear friends, including Shirley Orr, as they sipped wine and nibbled on cheese and crackers. She taught grandkids how to fish using her favorite bait (hot dogs) and how to remove a fish from a hook. She also shared with them her love of really bad 60’s films (Barbarella) and tv shows, and played many card games and shared pizza, as well as dinners out at Aiello’s and enjoyed their visits with her in Florida.
Betty was a Cub Scout Den Mother, a Girl Scout leader, a prolific knitter during the war and made great meatballs and stuffed pork chops.
A Memorial Service in Betty’s memory will be held at a later date.
Expressions of sympathy in Betty’s memory may be made to the Memorial Fund, Endwell United Methodist Church, 3301 Watson Blvd., Endwell, NY 13760.