Betty Jean Hunkapiller

Betty Jean Hunkapiller, 89 years old, a former resident of Sylvania, OH has been called to heaven by our lord and savior on April 17, 2025. She was born to Edward and Alvateen Bracken on February 1, 1936. Born in Tennessee, she was the eldest of three children, Charles (Betty) Bracken and Terry (Margret) Bracken. She moved to Ohio in the early 1950’s. She married Edward Hunkapiller and began starting a family after his service with the United States Army. They were blessed with two children, Larry (Deborah) Hunkapiller and Phillip (Tami) Hunkapiller that they raised together in Sylvania, OH. She supported Edward in starting his own family business at Regency Trailer for 23 years as well as pastoring in the Baptist church for over 40 years. Her tireless efforts in these endeavors did not go unnoticed as she was an integral part of the success that was gained in both positions. Betty dedicated her life to being an amazing mother, wife, homemaker and pastor’s wife through the years. She was an avid gardener and cook that stayed true to her southern roots. She kept a beautiful flower garden and enjoyed canning her own homegrown vegetables and jam. Her family was always the center of her world, taking care of everyone around her and helping out wherever she could. She has not only taught the generations that came up behind her a proper way of life but exemplified the benefits of a humble and loving lifestyle in which to live it. She enjoyed over 40 years of being a grandparent and great grandparent, taking the kids to amusement parks, air shows, church functions, trips down south to visit family and just spending time at home with them. Church has always been a major part of her life and Sunday was a day to be spent with family. Sunday dinners after church were held in her home regularly to keep the family bond tight and played a significant role in the family values she cherished. The admiration she had for her time with the children was clearly shown in her interactions with them, always engaged and the kids never wanting to leave her side. She was not the type of person to speak out in anger towards others openly, considering that to be “ugly” as it was not a positive way to communicate. She would not hesitate to hold the line if you happen to find yourself on the wrong side of the boundaries that were set out though. She had a knack for bringing the light to almost any situation using her faith in the Lord and the love she gave for support. Her role as a pastor’s wife covered many areas of guidance and help for the congregation. Whether it be as a confidant, friend, mother, wife, organizer, spiritual guide or visiting the sick and elderly, Betty was always there to guide and help the members of the congregation. The impact that she had on the lives of the people around her is immeasurable and she will always be looked upon as role model for moral character, someone of her caliber would be hard to come by in the world we live in today.

She was preceded in death by Edward (Alvateen) Bracken, Edward Hunkapiller, Larry (Deborah) Hunkapiller, Lyndsey Hunkapiller. She is survived by Charles (Betty) Bracken, Terry (Margret) Bracken, Phillip (Tami) Hunkapiller, Charla Bracken, Brad (Frances) Hunkapiller, Zach (Jami) Ludwig, Luke Hunkapiller, Alex (Rachel) Hunkapiller, Bradley & Naomi Hunkapiller, Blake & Jase Zielinski, Leighton & Lillian Ludwig.

The family will receive guests Monday, April 28, 2025 from 2:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m. in the Newcomer SW Chapel, 4752 Heatherdowns Blvd., Toledo (419-381-1900). Funeral services will be held Tuesday, April 29, 2025 at 10:30 a.m. in the funeral home. Interment will follow in Ottawa Hills Memorial Park Cemetery.

Memorial contributions may be made to the charity of the donor’s choice in Betty’s memory.

To leave a special message for Betty’s family please click on the guestbook below.