Betty Jean Ferguson Essary, age 88, died Sunday, January 8, 2023, at her home in Anniston.

Born January 17, 1934, at Osceola, AR, to the late Alvis Ferguson and Florence Matthews Ferguson, Betty was the salutatorian of her graduating class from East Prairie High School in 1954.  She had lived in Anniston most of her life and was employed at the Brown Shoe Company in Charleston for over 42 years.

On July 3, 1954, she married John Thomas Essary, who preceded her in death on January 1, 1997.

Surviving is her son, Kenneth (Pam) Essary of Bertrand; grandchildren,  Andy Essary, Adam (Amanda) Essary, Chris Essary and Kylie Brown; great grandchildren, Jordan Essary, Stephen (Sarah) Essary, Cody Tubbs, Allison Essary and Abby Essary; great great grandchildren,  Forrest and Huntree; her sisters and brother, Pat Henry, William (Kay) Ferguson, Ruth (Richard) Layer, Brenda (Gilbert) Rundles and Linda (Marty) Vied; also, a number of nieces, nephews and cousins.

In addition to her husband and parents, she was preceded in death by her brothers, Arthur Ferguson and James Ferguson and her sisters, Jane Byrd and Mary Dean Jackson.

Visitation will be from 1:00 p.m. until 2:00 p.m., Wednesday, January 11, 2023, at the McMikle Funeral Home in Charleston.

Graveside services will immediately follow in the Anniston Cemetery under the direction of McMikle Funeral Home of Charleston.

Online condolences may be shared at www.mcmiklefuneralhome.com