Betty A. Tallent
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Betty Ann Tallent, 87, of Fort Walton Beach, FL passed away peacefully on December 15, 2020 at her residence. She was born on July 25, 1933, to George Robbins and Lee Perry. She was raised by Clarence and Ruth Leonard.
Betty graduated from Alcoa High School in Alcoa, TN, and after that she became the radiant bride of Claude E. Tallent in 1954. She worked in a clerical position at Vitro in Ft. Walton Beach at the beginning of their marriage. Betty traveled with Claude throughout his 20 years of service in the United States Air Force. They were stationed at Tyndall AFB, Moody AFB, Eglin AFB, Champagne AFB (France), and Homestead AFB. In 1955 she began her long journey to be a caring and dedicated homemaker. She raised six children and was an exemplar mother. Her gentle, sweet, and loving personality was evident to all who knew her. Betty also supported Claude in their family business from 1988 - 2009, Talco Awards Showcase, Inc., in Ft. Walton Beach, FL.
Betty was most proud of seeing her children, grand-children, and great-grandchildren all together and filling her home with so many wonderful memories. They were the light of her life. She loved hosting large family dinners with Claude where she was known to prepare and cook the most succulent meals for up to 25 guests. She was often called "Betty Crocker".
Betty was preceded in death by her husband of 64 years, Claude Tallent, sister Katherine McMahan, brother Bill Perry, brother-in-laws Clarence "Knuck" McMahan and William Ridley, and sister-in-law Imogene Ridley. She is survived by her six children and spouses: Brenda Loken (Mike), Keith Tallent (Shelly), Kathy Tallent, Karen Williams (Scot), Edwin Tallent, and Valerie Coleman (Tim). She is also survived by her nephew Mike McMahan, nieces Kay McMahan and Rita McMahan, 10 grandchildren, and 12 great-grandchildren.
Family will receive friends at Emerald Coast Funeral Home on Tuesday, December 22, 2020 from 5:00 - 7:00 p.m. Memorial services will be held Wednesday, December 23, 2020 from 10:00 - 11:00 a.m. with Chaplain Chad Purdy officiating. Burial services will follow at Barrancas National Cemetery at 2:00.
Emerald Coast Funeral Home is entrusted with the arrangements.
161 Racetrack Road NW
Fort Walton Beach, FL 32547
Emeraldcoastfuneralhome.com