Betty Jean Bruney, 85, passed away on Monday, June 3, 2024. She was born on Sept. 13, 1938, in Lake Charles, La., to Cleveland and Mabel Ewing Crochet.

Betty was a 1957 graduate of Marion High School. She attended McNeese State University. She owned and operated Bruney’s Interiors for 30 years. In 1973, Betty was the first female to run for Lake Charles City Council, and actively pursued positive change for the community.

She was a faithful member of St. Margaret Catholic Church, serving as lay minister and lector. She was Head Coordinator for the St. Henry Catholic Church shelter for the homeless. As a Catholic Charismatic, Betty dedicated herself to healing others. She often counseled those in pain and in need of prayer. She became an active member of the Teresian Sisterhood of Nuns where she ministered to all who requested love and acceptance. Betty dedicated her life to supporting all of God’s children regardless of their history; she was known for listening, discerning and empathizing regardless of the request. 

Those left to cherish her memory are her children, Gavin Bruney (Catherine) of Nederland, Texas, Kevin Bruney of Tyler, Texas, Teresita Rozas (Jerry Hoover) of Lake Charles, and Sarita Scheufens (Will) of Lake Charles; 12 grandchildren; and six great-grandchildren.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Cleveland Crochet, and Mable Sonnier; her husband, Gerald Bruney, and her son, Leonard Bruney.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 10 a.m. on Thursday, June 6, 2024 in St. Martin de Porres Catholic Church. Msgr. Jace Eskind will serve as Celebrant. Burial will follow in Consolata Cemetery under the direction of Johnson Funeral Home. Visitation will begin at 4 p.m. on the evening of Wednesday, June 5 in the Johnson Funeral Home of Lake Charles Chapel, and will continue until 7 p.m., with a rosary being recited at 6 p.m. Visitation will resume at 9 a.m. on Thursday morning in the funeral home and will continue until leaving in procession to the church for 10 a.m. mass. 

The family would like to give special thanks to the Roman Catholic Diocese of Lake Charles, especially to the many Priests whom she cherished. 

Monetary gifts will be collected and offered to the Catholic Church in the giver’s name, in honor of Betty.

Words of comfort to the family may be expressed at www.johnsonfuneral home.net.