It seems like yesterday that I first saw this fireball named Betty Jean Jernigan in a shag club. I'll never forget it. Walked into the old Duck's where she was in a small crowd of female shaggers and I thought "who is this gal?" When I asked someone who I had seen speak with her to fill me in I was told...."you don't want to mess with this girl..she'll whip your ass if you ever piss her off". Fear....I felt fear. I want to think this was probably the early 80's?
Anyhoo...I spent about 10 years avoiding her at all costs...because I seem to have a tendency to piss people off without knowing it. And I had been forewarned. I had watched her with her curly headed Charles dance and realized that they were everything I wanted to be on the dance floor...the real thing. I admired them both from afar for years but was afraid to take the steps to get to know them...especially her.
Boy was I mislead. This fabulous lady was pretty, sweet, sociable and one helluva dancer. I had really missed out on a wonderful friendship because of listening to one know it all that evidently was jealous of all Betty Jean was. I must admit, though, that even though we became good friends I still didn't want to piss her off. But then again...there was no reason to.
Years came and went and our friendship grew. There wasn't ever something in my life going wrong that Betty Jean didn't always call or grab me to see if she could help.
A few years ago Betty Jean and Charles bought a mobile home in North Myrtle Beach and started spending more time here. It was pretty plain and needed work in the beginning but they turned it into a great vacation home. Hard work and lots of laughs went in to it. I'm in their neighborhood quite often and always make a point of riding by to see if they're here. A short visit with the two of them would brighten my day. Being here more often I'd get to see them dancin' at the OD Pavilion and if Betty Jean's breath would run out I'd get a much sought after dance with Charles. Betty Jean would stand by and cheer us on.
What a sad day today finding out that she had passed away this morning. Dammit. I've lost too many friends to this past year but this one took my breath away. This wonderful gal will be missed by many. My heart goes out to Charles...they had a special marriage with a strong bond. I know that losing her will take a toll on him. Thank goodness there will be two states worth of friends to hold him close and remind him of the good times.
I think the sweetest Shagger's Hall Of Fame Induction I've ever seen was theirs:
I'll miss seeing them dancing the afternoon away at the OD Pavilion:
I'll miss that warm feeling I got whenever I'd see her enter a room or dance hall, hoping to catch her eye You're gonna be missed more than you could have ever imagined!
Fly high sweet lady....and know that memories of you will be nothing but good times and laughter...and some mighty fine fas' dancin'.
Here's to you, Betty Jean...I know you can make it through the whole song now!
Thanks for droppin' in....while you're here won't you leave a comment?
