Betty Jane Jessen's Obituary
Betty Jane Jessen, 88, passed away peacefully at her home in Cedar Bluff, Alabama, on July 22nd, 2025. She was born March 24, 1937, in Anderson, Indiana, to Lee and Audra Imel.
Betty’s life was anchored in her deep faith in Jesus Christ, whom she loved and served wholeheartedly. Her warmth, strength, and generosity reflected her lifelong commitment to living out her beliefs with joy.
One of the great loves of her life was her husband, Lt. Col. Dick Jessen, USAF. Married for 59 years, they shared a remarkable journey filled with devotion, adventure, and unwavering support for one another. Their bond was an enduring example of love and partnership, and Betty now rejoins him in eternal peace.
Betty was abundantly talented. She was an award-winning gardener, a skilled stained glass and mosaic artist, and an expert seamstress with a one-of-a-kind style. She made beautiful clothes for her grandchildren and poured creativity into everything she did.
She served as Sunday School superintendent at Loving Shepherd Lutheran Church in Los Angeles, spoke at Women’s Aglow Ministries in Dayton, and sang in choirs across the country. While living in Hawaii, she performed with the Aiea Hauoli Singers and never passed up a chance to square dance—even once on a table!
She is survived by her children, Teresa Miner and Richard H. Jessen II; grandchildren Jessica Hazle, Michael Wright, Daniel Wright, Gloria Bronk, and Holly Oswald; and great-grandchildren Callie and Levi Wright, Emma and Carson Bronk, Natalie and Adeline Oswald.
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