Betty Jane Pearson

CELEBRATING HER SPIRIT

Betty Jane Pearson, aka B.J., was the only child born to the late Henry Knighton and Agnes E. Patton on July 13, 1942, in Cincinnati, Ohio. On Tuesday, November 22, 2022, at 4:10 a.m., God called her home to dwell with Him eternally.

Betty spent her formative years in Lockland, Ohio. She attended Lockland Elementary School and later attended Central High School. Upon moving to Hollydale, Ohio, a close-knit, family-oriented African American community founded in 1947, she attended Princeton High School, where she graduated in 1962. 

Betty gave her life to Christ at an early age and was baptized at Mt. Zion Baptist Church under the pastoral leadership of Rev. Otis Moss Jr. She later joined the Lincoln Heights Missionary Baptist Church under the leadership of Rev. Lloyd Williams and later Pastor Freedie T. Piphus, Jr. After moving to Atlanta, GA, Betty joined the Victory For The World Church under the leadership of Rev. Dr. Kenneth L. Samuels. At Victory, she served as a Greeter and was a dedicated servant of the New Members' Ministry. Betty loved the Lord and was a faithful Christian until she entered her eternal resting place.

Betty was a devoted daughter, wife, and mother. She was a stay-at-home mom for many years before starting a career outside the home. In 1971, Betty began a career with the Avon Corporation in Springdale, OH. While at Avon, she worked in the shipping and receiving department. In 1993, she took the opportunity to transfer to Atlanta, GA, to continue her career with Avon. Betty retired from Avon in 2001.

After enjoying retirement for about five years, Betty began to provide childcare for her neighbor’s infant children. She loved children and provided a nurturing learning environment in her home. Once the children became school-age, Betty sought employment as an early childhood educator. She served at Legacy Childcare Center, Riverside Academy, and Kids-R-Kids Learning Academy.  Betty was a faithful Infant Room Teacher until she was forced to retire in March 2020 due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

Betty was a woman of elegance, class, and style. She was known for her amazing fashion sense and was always impeccably accessorized. She could dress for any occasion. She never met a stranger and was a loyal and trusted friend who treated everyone with dignity and respect. Her loving and caring spirit, coupled with her beautiful smile and infectious laugh, drew people to her. Her family was everything to her, and she will be genuinely missed by all who knew and loved her. 

She was preceded in death by both parents, Henry Knighton and Agnes E. Jones; her stepfather, Henry Jones; her high school sweetheart and husband of twenty-seven years, William M. Harris, Sr.; her firstborn child, Joyce D. Harris-Green; as well as, her first cousin (who was like a sister), Velma Jean Standifer; and her mother-in-law/second mother, Gwendolyn M. Finley. 

Betty leaves to cherish her life and spirit: her son William M. Harris II (Yaulonda), Cincinnati, OH., and daughter Aisha M. Harris, Chicago, IL. Her memory will also be cherished by her pride and joy, her three grandchildren, Hadiya, Moses, and Trinity Harris, as well as her brother-in-law John E. Harris Jr., Virginia Beach, VA; 4 nieces and nephews, Pamela Harris, Indianapolis, IN, John E. Harris III (Yulanda), Elizabethtown, KY, Darryl Harris (Jephanie), Cincinnati, OH, Makeda Harris, Silver Springs, MD; a very special close friend Clara L. Davis, Cincinnati, OH, and her neighbor, sister- friend and confidant Cathy J. Prince, Atlanta, GA, and a host of cousins, friends, and children.

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