Betty Jean (Howell) Gilbert

Take advice from the ocean; be shore of yourself, come out of your shell, take time to coast, avoid pier pressure, see life’s beauty, don't let the tide down and most importantly, make waves. Betty Jean Gilbert (nee Howell) was animated and fervent. From home, she cheered on the Redskins (Washington Football Team) and booed the heels of WWE Wrestling. The cure for anything, though, is saltwater, sweat, tears and the sea. Betty loved spending time fishing in her boat anywhere there was water. It doesn’t matter if the rod’s bent or not. Time spent fishing is time well spent. It’s not an escape from life but a deeper immersion into it. Betty filled her life with family and faith. On Wednesday, September 8, 2021, after just 74 years, Betty Jean threw away the bowlines and sailed away from safe harbor in Vineland. Some memories never leave your heart. Like the salt in the sea; they become part of you - and you carry them.

Betty Jean was born in Camden and had spent her early years as a Gloucester City neighbor before moving around a bit, finally heading south to Millville. She was a lifetime congregant of the First Baptist Church of Gloucester City. She worked at Walmart and closed her working years as a bus aid with Sheppard Bus, both in Millville. At home, she adored being the patriarch. a doting and dedicated mom, grandmom and great grandmom.

Love is like a candle. Though it may light a thousand more candles, it’s flame will never burn out or fade away. Betty Jean is the daughter of the late Rudolph & Elizabeth (nee Wiltsey) Howell and is the mother of; Dawn Quinton, George Kean and the late Bill and the late Frank Willetts. She is the proud grandmother of; Nina, Christopher, Ciarra, Jasmin, Darius, Janese, Tarell, Shanna, Chad and great grandmother of; Leighanna, Austin and Isiah.

Relatives, friends and neighbors are invited to gather with the Gilbert family. We’ll be laughing at the old fishin’ tales, talking about wrestlers and sharing our heartfelt stories of our mom and grandmom on Saturday between 4:00 pm and 5:00 pm at Creran Celebration Etherington & Creran Funeral Homes 700 Powell St. Gloucester City where a remembrance ceremony will begin at 5:00 pm. The time-honored tradition of reuniting those we love with the water will be held privately. #crerancelebration #heartfelt