Bettye Jean Jackson

The life journey of Bettye Jean Jackson began October 2, 1932.  She was the first of two children born to Paul Nelson Britt and Ruby Warnetta Britt in Columbia, Missouri.  Bettye attended the Second Christian Church, where she took an active role in the church from an early age.  She graduated from Douglas High School in 1950, as valedictorian of her class.  Upon graduation, Bettye relocated to San Diego, California, with her mother and sister.

In 1950 Bettye united with the Bethel Baptist Church under the leadership of the late Dr. Charles H. Hampton and continued under Dr. John W. Ringgold.  She attended San Diego State College.  Bettye later embarked on a career with the County of San Diego.  She wed the late Louis Davidson Sanders, and in 1954, a son, Donald Gene Sanders, was born to the union.

In October 1960, Bettye met her future husband while he was working at his barbershop.  She was united in marriage to Floyd Lee Jackson on April 23, 1961.  The blessings continued with the birth of a son, Keith LeBaron Jackson.  Bettye took an active role in the lives of her two children.  She was a constant source of encouragement and inspiration to them.

Bettye loved her church, where she served as a Youth Counselor to the Youth Usher Board and to the Senior High School Youth Fellowship.  She was a master at juggling her church, family, and work commitments. Many still remember the cakes that Mrs. Jackson would lovingly bake from scratch after having worked all day. In Bettye's latter years, she was a frequent attendee at the Noon Day prayer services.

Bettye worked for the County of San Diego for 35 years as an intermediate clerk. Over the years, she crossed the paths of many, and they affectionately referred to her as "BJ."  Bettye hosted baby showers and bridal showers for co-workers in her home.  She would often meet them outside of work for lunch and other functions. Bettye stayed in constant contact with many of the people that she had met at work. They became lifelong friends.

Bettye was a loving and devoted wife, mother, sister, aunt, friend, and confidant. She enjoyed watching her two favorite television shows, "The Price Is Right," and "The Voice." Bettye enjoyed spending time with family and friends. She loved to shop and did so up until the time that her health began to fail. Bettye was a God-fearing woman and wholeheartedly loved the Lord, and she knew that he loved her in return. During her illness, her faith never wavered.  Bettye fought a good fight, finished her course, and kept the faith.  Those who knew and loved her will greatly miss her wit, candor, and sense of humor.

She was preceded in death by her parents, sister, and husband.

On Wednesday, December 28, 2016, Bettye Jean Jackson was called home to Glory to be with the Lord.  She leaves to cherish her memory her children, Keith L. Jackson and Donald G. Sanders of San Diego, CA; grandsons, Demetrius L. Jennings and Tommy Sanders; cousin, Helen Lee; god-daughter, Jerri Carter; and a host of other relatives and friends who will mourn her passing yet celebrate her life.