Betty Jean Hallmark, daughter of the late Christian and Viola Lenz, was born on August 29, 1929 in Baltimore, Maryland. She departed this life to be with her Lord and Savior Jesus Christ on August 4, 2013 at Sunrise Senior Living in Annapolis, Maryland. Betty drew her last breath on a glorious, sunny Sunday morning in the arms of her youngest daughter. She had already given her the most profound gift of all – the peace and closure of a healed relationship.
Betty met her late husband, William Owen Hallmark, while waitressing in her favorite place, Ocean City, Maryland. A shy, handsome musician and athlete, "Billy" fell instantly for "Lenzie," the tall, gorgeous blond scholar athlete from Western Maryland College. Both had electric smiles. They were married in Baltimore, Maryland on June 30, 1951. She was widowed days after her 30th wedding anniversary continuing her remarkable journey of resilience and contribution as a single parent of two daughters.
Betty was a brilliant and insatiable student of life. Moving well beyond education in the traditional sense, she innately understood that we are here to learn as much as we can and to leave the world a little better through our unique gifts. As such, she cared deeply about finding her "True North" and fulfilling her Purpose. And so she did -- with remarkable drive and energy.

Known as the first lady of women's sports in Anne Arundel County, Betty was a college professor, coach, official, and community leader who led the Maryland movement for Title IX that returned women's sports to Anne Arundel. She created the first girls' lacrosse program through the Severna Park Recreation Council. She created the first field hockey program in the public schools, and she was the first National Field Hockey referee in Maryland. Betty was honored to be the first woman inducted into the Anne Arundel County Hall of Fame in 1992 (one of many inductions). She received the Bob Pascal Award from the Anne Arundel County Coaches Association for her significant contribution to the interscholastic athletic programs. Betty also received the State of Maryland Governor Citation in 1996, in recognition of her long and distinguished record as a vital force in the origin and promotion of women's lacrosse and field hockey in Anne Arundel County.

Betty is survived by her daughters, Jennifer Lynn Hallmark and Melissa Hallmark Kerr, her son-in-law, Christopher James Kerr, two beautiful grandchildren, Abigail Elizabeth Kerr and Emma Jean Kerr, her spiritual daughter, Debra Spry, partner Bev Jarnot, and the Spry family, a loyal Australian Shepherd named Jo Jo, and countless admirers. She chose to make a difference. Love you always, Mom.

Friends may visit on Thursday August 8, 2013 from 2-4 & 6-8:00pm at the Barranco & Sons,P.A Severna Park Funeral Home 495 Ritchie Hwy. Severna Park, MD 21146. Services will be held on Friday August 9, 2013 at 11:00am in the Woods Memorial Presbyterian Church 611 B & A Blvd. Severna Park, MD 21146. Intermant in the Maryland Veterans Cemetery.