Betty Joe McGown (Harrison), 90, passed away peacefully on June 20, 2025. She was born on September 14, 1934, in Chuckey, Tennessee, to the late Carson and Helen (Bailey) Harrison. Raised on a farm with her four brothers, Betty developed a deep-rooted strength and resilience that defined her throughout life.
As a young girl, Betty's family relocated to West Chester, Pennsylvania. She graduated from West Chester High School. Throughout her life, she held a variety of jobs, but her most meaningful role was serving as a teacher's aide at Pennhurst, and later with the Chester County Intermediate Unit and the Phoenixville Area School District. One of her greatest joys in retirement was being recognized and thanked by former students she had helped along the way.
Betty married the love of her life, Joseph H. McGown Jr., with whom she shared over 71 years of marriage. Together, they built a life filled with love, laughter, and adventure-including many cherished trips to Hawaii, a favorite destination. Betty also enjoyed baking, cooking, shopping, and spending time with her family.
She is survived by her daughter Diane, wife of Dennis Dixon, and her son Todd, husband of Mary. She was a proud grandmother to Jason McGown, Michael Layne, and Michelle Salamone. Her great-grandchildren-Natalie McGown, Adriana Salamone, Anthony Salamone, and Luca Salamone-brought her immense joy. Betty will also be dearly missed by her extended family of nieces, nephews and her sister-in-law Barbara Harrison, who truly was like a sister to her.
She was preceded in death by her beloved husband Joseph H. McGown Jr., and her grandson Jeffrey McGown.
A visitation will be held beginning at 10:00 a.m. on Tuesday, July 1, 2025 at Campbell-Ennis-Klotzbach Funeral Home, Inc., 610 Main Street, Phoenixville, PA. A short prayer service will follow at 11:00 a.m. Final internment will take place privately at Morris Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made online in Betty's name to Better Days Ahead, or mailed to:
Better Days Ahead Homebase
c/o First Presbyterian
145 S Main St Phoenixville PA 19460
Arrangements are being handled by the Campbell-Ennis-Klotzbach Funeral Home, Inc., Phoenixville, PA. Condolences may be offered online at www.PhoenixvilleFuneralHome.com.