Betty Jean (Poree) Jarman

Born May 7, 1950 in Chicago, Illinois, Betty Jean Jarman, a beloved mother, went home to our Lord on Thursday, March 26, 2026. She was the daughter of the late Geraldine Grove Woodson, and is survived by her father, Curtis J. Poree, Jr. of Lakewood, Washington. She was the only child of Geraldine Woodson and a surrogate sister to several maternal cousins. Betty was raised by her great aunt until the age of nine, when she was reunited with her birth mother.

Betty was rooted in the Christian faith and was a devoted Army wife for 35 years to Larry D. Jarman, an honorably discharged Army veteran (1974-1976), who preceded her in death in July 2008. She was an incredible mother and wife, and was known throughout her various roles as a dedicated, loyal, and passionate worker.

She attended South Shore High School, Chicago Professional College Advanced Typing School, and later graduated from Professional Beauty & Barber School as a licensed hairdresser in 1982.

Betty leaves to cherish her memory four children: one daughter, Nichole Jefferson and her husband Edward Jefferson; and three sons, Poree D. Jarman and his wife Kiona Jarman, Larry D. Jarman, Jr. and Marcus G. Jarman. She also leaves nne grandchildren: Edward Jefferson, Jr., Dominique Baez (Joseph), Harmony Jarman, Marcus G. Jarman, Jr., Jayceon L. Jarman Makhai A. Jarman, Michael Clifford, Michael Moye, and Shemar Cromartie. She is further survived by three great-grandchildren: Erin N. Jefferson, Zoe B. Baez, and Josie O. Baez.

Betty also leaves behind two living aunts, Valerie "Nooney Baby" Grove and Elizabeth Grove, along with many cousins. She shared a particularly close bond with favorite cousin, Gary Andreson of Chicago, with whom she spoke to twice daily throughout her life.

In 2001, Betty relocated with her entire family to Connecticut. With courage and selflessness, she started over to protect her family. She grew to love Connecticut and the freedom from fear from her husband and sons' well-being.

Betty's career path was not traditional; she worked tirelessly for her husband and children while also taking great pride in being a working woman. She built a 27-year as a hostess and owned  a small business in Chicago. After moving to Connecticut she worked for the VA in West Haven, where she met her longtime friend, Mrs. Mae Brown. She also worked at the Better Business Bureau and as a mortgage processor at Avistar Mortgage Co., as well as a part-time clerk typist for the City of New Haven, Board of Education. She concluded her career at Lincoln-Bassett School, wher many students affectionately referred to her as "Ma." 

Betty was a homebody who adored her grandchildren and great-grandchildren. She loved to sing songs by her favorite artists, Sarah Vaughan and Dinah Washington, drawing from her years singing with a local band in Chicago. She loved to dance, especially with her mother Geraldine, "Nooney Baby," and a host of cousins. She was honored to have danced in the 1970s, including appearances on Soul Train during its Chicago era.

A Celebration of Life Service will take place on Saturday, April 4th from 11:00 a.m. until 1:00 p.m. at the Washington Memorial Funeral Home, 4 Washington Ave., North Haven. Words of comfort will be shared during the celebration. Burial will be private. washingtonmemorialfh.com

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