Elizabeth "Betty" Verret Gallinghouse Van Cleave

Elizabeth (“Betty”) Verret Gallinghouse Van Cleave, 89, daughter of Davis Verret and Mary Verdin, who was born July 26, 1934 in Bayou Du Large, LA, passed away peacefully at home on April 13, 2024, surrounded by her loving children. Betty will be laid to rest at Saint Bartholomew Cemetery in Algiers beside her late husband, Robert Gallinghouse, Jr. (Bob) with whom she shared 63 years of marriage before his passing in 2019. 

Betty is survived by her four children: Robert Edwin Gallinghouse III, William David Gallinghouse (Kim), Nancy Gallinghouse Evars (Scott) and Claire Lynn Gallinghouse along with her beloved grandchildren: Davis, Rachel (Jonathan), Charles (Michelle), Eli, Jordan, Owen, Tyler, Emerson and Mary. Betty also leaves behind her brothers Gueydan Verret and Richard Verret; sister Pamela Alexander, sister-in-law’s Joan Daigle, Pat Verret and Linda Verret along with many loving nieces and nephews, cousins and friends.  

Betty found a second love of her life with James Van Cleave, whom she married in December 2020 and who preceded her in death in February 2024. She enjoyed the last three years with Jim and his loving family. 

Betty was also preceded in death by her brothers Davis Verret and James Verret.

Betty grew up in Gretna, LA, the oldest of six children, attending Redemptorist for Girls School and Newcombe College before joining American Cyanamid as a secretary. It was at American Cyanamid where she met Bob and they married on May 5, 1956. They settled on the east bank of New Orleans where they began their family and Betty started her lifelong commitment to service. In the 50’s and 60’s, she served as President of the Louisiana Women’s Auxiliary for the American Chemical Society and as Vice President of the Jefferson Parish Women’s Republican Club. 

In 1976, Bob was relocated with American Cyanamid to New Jersey where they enjoyed 30 years in the town of Oakland. Betty loved her local community where she was active in her church, childrens’ school PTA’s, Newcomers Club and Team Tennis. If there was a local election, you could bet Betty was actively involved. She served as President of the Bergen County Women’s Republican Club, campaigned tirelessly for her favorite candidates and was, herself, the first female councilwoman in Oakland. 

Her service continued through the decades with her two favorite organizations: West Bergen Mental Healthcare and P.E.O. International.  After many years of volunteering at West Bergen, she was elected President of the Board of Trustees, served as Chairperson for their Showcase House and was honored with their Distinguished Service Award. A member of the P.E.O Sisterhood from 1981 until her death, Betty was a very active supporting sister, held many leadership roles and served as President of the local chapters in New Jersey, Arizona and Mississippi over the past 43 years. 

Betty and Bob moved to Surprise, Arizona in 2006, enjoying the company of great friends there for nine years before returning home to the South and settling in Diamondhead, Mississippi in 2016. While in Diamondhead, Betty was actively involved in many social clubs and Most Holy Trinity Catholic Church. 

Betty was faithfully devoted to her grandchildren, traveling extensively to see them over the last 31 years, never missing a celebration, big or small, until her cancer prevented her from doing so. Even then, she rallied as recently as last month to attend her grandson’s wedding in New Jersey which brought immense joy to all of us. She was also a dedicated and loyal friend with deep and lasting friendships that she nurtured throughout her entire life. If a friend was in need, Betty was always there with support, love, food and prayers.  

A mass of Christian burial will be celebrated at 11am, Saturday, April 20, 2024, at Most Holy Trinity Catholic Church, 9062 Kiln Delisle Road, Pass Christian. Immediately following, a reception will be hosted at St Stephen’s Catholic Church, 25220 St Stephen’s Road, Pass Christian. 

Donations can be made in Betty’s name to Most Holy Trinity Catholic Church.