Betty Lou Jay

(From Parker Mortuary)

Betty Lou Jay, 85, of Joplin, passed away early Thursday morning, June 10, 2021.

Betty Lou was born April 16, 1936 in Rogersville, Missouri to the late John Washington and Carrie Emaline (Smith) Brayfield. Betty Lou lived in the Joplin area most of her life, graduating from Springfield High School in 1954. She was a member of Park Plaza Christian Church.

On April 4, 1974 Betty Lou was united in marriage to Jon Robert Jay. For 47 years, Jon and Betty were more than just spouses, they were best friends and rarely apart. They created a life together that was incredibly special. For many years, they spent as much time as they possibly could at their ‘home away from home’ on the lake. From fishing to dancing, they brought a good time wherever they were.

Betty Lou was a beautician, owning and operating BJ’s Beauty Salon for 34 years before retiring. She loved what she did and considered her clients to be family and friends.

Betty loved to sing and was a member of the Faithful Heart Gospel Group, a trio where she sang together with her husband Jon and son Bruce. Together the three traveled to many churches and venues sharing beautiful music and their love for the Lord. Betty Lou was also an avid supporter of the American Cancer Society. She participated in the local Relay for Life for several years. Betty Lou was a very talented bowler and was inducted into the Bowling Hall of Fame. She began bowling at a young age and continued throughout her life by participating in various leagues and spending several years as a youth bowling instructor. But most of all, Betty Lou cherished the time spent and memories created with her husband, children, grandchildren, family, and friends. To know Betty was to love her, and she will be greatly missed by all.

Betty Lou is lovingly survived by her husband, Jon; children, Bruce Layman, Brenda Mitchell (Curtis), Beth Gorman, Randy Jay (Robin), Steve Jay (Sandy), and Karen Jones; grandchildren, Amy Ewers (Talby), Bryan Layman (Danielle), Nicholas Gorman, Ashlie Ingram (Scott), Jonna Hye (Jaris), Anna Simmons, Brandy Lichardello (Charles), Stephen Jay; great grandchildren, Emmalyne, Abigail, Haley, Austin, Evan, Kayson, Kayden, Madison, Adaline, Foster, Charley, Nevaeh, Charlie, Braeden.

Betty is also survived by her brother, John Brayfield. ‘Junior’ and Betty Lou loved cheering on their cardinals together.

Funeral services will be held at 11:00 a.m. Monday, June 14, 2021 at Park Plaza Christian Church with Tommy Freeman, B.A. Austin, and Randy Steele officiating. The family will receive friends for visitation on Sunday, June 13, 2021 from 2:00 – 4:00 p.m. at the church.

Arrangements are under the personal care and direction of Parker Mortuary.