Betty Jean Douglas Lumpkin

Mrs. Betty Jean Lumpkin Douglas, of Matthews, NC gained her Heavenly wings on Monday, May 19, 2025 at Levine & Dickson Southminster Hospice House in Charlotte, NC. Born October 17, 1948 in York, SC, she was a daughter of Pearline Barnett Austin and the late John P. “Fit” Austin.

Betty Jean was educated in York County Public schools, and graduated from Jefferson High School. Following high school, she enlisted in the United States Army, where she served as a Drill Sergeant, Medical Corpsman and received Nurses Aide training.

After being Honorably Discharged in 1972, Betty Jean began her career as a printing operator at Ventures Packaging. She later took a lead role as a shift supervisor at James River Manufacturing in Charlotte, earning experience and leadership skills that allowed her to finally retire as printing supervisor from Rexam Industries. Still no stranger to slowing down after retirement, she assisted her late husband David start a family business—Metrolina Diversified Building Services of Rock Hill, and she also started her own clothing business, selling clothes as NYC Experience.

Betty Jean joined Langrum Branch Baptist Church at an early age, where she learned a love of Christ and birthed a spirit that endured throughout her life. Though a current member of New Hope Missionary Baptist Church in Charlotte, she ministered with the love she first learned at home.

Betty Jean loved to travel, cook, entertain family and friends, as well as attend gospel concerts. She was a devoted mother and foster parent.

In addition to her father, Betty Jean is preceded in death by brother, Thomas “Skeeter” Armstrong.

Surviving to cherish loving memories of Betty Jean are her husband, James Lumpkin; her mother, Pearline Barnette Austin; two sons, Davian Douglas and Sadariaus Douglas; a daughter, Columbus Maxine; two granddaughters, Lakesha Doll and Chelsea Sheppard; five great grands, J’don Sowell, Slyla Doll, Reddrick Watson, Kenzleigh Doll, and Zuri Bigger; her aunt, Mae Henry Williams; and two special cousins, Martha Ann McNeal and Robert “Bo” Barnett.

Betty Jean is also survived by two godsons, Rainey and Oree Moore; and a special friend and caretaker, Lydia Wright; as well as a host of other relatives and friends.

funeral services will be 1:30 pm, Sunday, May 25, 2025 at New Life Seventh-Day Adventist Church in Rock Hill, SC with Rev. Richard Pickering, Sr. officiating. The family will receive friends from 1:00 to 1:30 prior to the service.

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