Obituary of Betty BJ Jones

Betty Jean (BJ) was born in Portland on January 29, 1929. She lived in Portland most of her life; attending Sellwood Grade School and graduating from Washington High School. She continued her studies at the University of Oregon where she became a member of Zeta Tau Alpha sorority. It was during her time at the U of O that she met the love her life, Robert Frank Jones. They were married on December 27, 1950 and were together until he died on June 7, 1987.

In February 1952, the Jones’ welcomed their first daughter, Carol Lee. Over the next fifty months, BJ bore three more daughters; Kristine Ann in January 1953, Kathleen Marie in May 1954, and Cynthia Elaine in April 1956. With a house full of girls, the family moved to a larger house on Multnomah Street in 1959.

Although BJ trained to be a teacher, she spent her adult work life as a bookkeeper and retired from Smith Brothers Office Environments, Inc. in 1989.

BJ was an active member in several Masonic organizations. She was life member of the Order of Eastern Star and was Worthy Matron of Eastgate Chapter. She was Worthy Matron of Eastgate Chapter Order of the Amaranth, and enjoyed her membership in the White Shrine of Jerusalem. An avid genealogist, BJ prized her membership in the Daughters of the American Revolution (DAR) and served as the Regent of Wahkeena Chapter.

BJ enjoyed her retirement spending time with her daughters, grandchildren, fraternal organizations, and the many friends that she made at Providence House.

BJ passed away peacefully, family members at her bedside, on August 12, 2018. She is survived by her four daughters and their husbands, 11 grandchildren, and 23 great-grandchildren. She left an indelible mark as a wife, mother, grandmother, and friend. She was well-loved and will be truly missed.

The family requests in lieu of flowers,  make a donation to the DAR Wahkeena Scholarship Fund c/o Mary Osterberg, Treasurer, 2316 NE 32nd Place, Portland, OR 97212.