Betty Jo (Lewis) Terrell

On the day of Tuesday, April 13, 1948, in Holly Ridge(Richland Parish), Louisiana, Willie and Sarah (Davis) Lewis were blessed with a beautiful baby girl. With profound joy they named her Betty Jo Lewis. She was the 6th of eleven siblings.  She was affectionately known as "BJ" by her friends and "Aunt BJ" by her nieces and nephews.

As a young girl, Betty Jo along with her family moved to the small town of Rayville, Louisiana. It was in Rayville where she attended public schools, learned her good work ethics and acquired her love for sports.  She graduated from Eula D. Britton High School in 1965. With great ambition she went on to further her education by attending Grambling State University.  After her years in college, Betty Jo followed many of her older siblings and left the magnolias of Louisiana to experience the bluebonnets of Texas.   

After relocating to Houston, Texas, in 1970 Betty Jo was employed at Southwestern Bell which is now known as AT&T.  Betty held many positions and titles while employed there. She often said that being an operator was her favorite because she could help so many vulnerable and appreciative strangers. In 2001 Betty completed her final phone call at Southwestern Bell/AT&T and retired after 30 years of service.  

In 1973, not long after settling in Houston, Betty Jo met the love of her life, George Terrell. They soon married, and remained true to their vows until George preceded her in death in 1990. They truly loved each other and wanted to share that love with a child. In August of 1975, Betty Jo gave birth to her only child, whom she delightfully named Saria La'Ga Terrell.  This beautiful daughter was their pride and joy, being a "mama’s girl" and her "daddy’s world".  

The only thing that Betty Jo enjoyed more than being a mother was being a grandmother.  One of her greatest joy's was supporting her grandchildren, whether academically and/or athletically. She was very proud of her grandchildren and out of all the titles she held, "Gramme" was her favorite.   

Betty Jo, from a young age, traveled a lifelong Christian journey. For several years, she was a member of Lilly Grove Missionary Baptist Church, under the Pastor Curtis Wallace. In 2008, she united with Nelson Memorial Church of God in Christ in Houston, Texas, under the leadership of Pastor Brian R. Nelson, Sr.   She was appointed the leader of the Pastor's Aide Ministry in 2014. She loved her Pastor and was dedicated servant of the Lord. When Mother Terrell was not physically able to attend Jericho City Church, she faithfully tuned in to the live streamed services.  

Betty Jo was a volunteer with the South Post Oak Redskins, youth football and cheer leaugue.  She was an avid card player, being skilled in a variety of games. Everyone who knew Betty Jo knew how giving and stubborn she was and that is why she was loved so much. Betty enjoyed life, family, and many friends and was always there to help brighten up the lives of others. Betty Jo was full of resilience, loyalty and love, with these traits being obvious to everyone after even just a single meeting with her.

On April 6, 2024, Betty Jo answered the call of her Lord and Savior, to enter sweet rest. She will be reunited in Heaven with: her husband, George Terrell; her parents, Willie and Sarah Lewis; her brothers, Henry Lewis, Jerry Davis, Amos “Son” Lewis and Ricky Jenkins; her sisters, Jo Willie Jenkins, Mary “Bugga” Haynes and Peggy Davis; her nephew, Larry Lewis and her niece, Deloris Jones.

Her legacy will continue through: her daughter, Dr. Saria Terrell; her grandchildren, Brian Nelson II, Brooke Nelson and Blake Nelson; her siblings that will continue to celebrate her, Carrie Jean “Cane” Nelson, Harry “K.O.” Lewis(Marie), and Linda Faye Lewis; God-son, Clarence J. Latson; her nieces, nephews, great nieces, great nephews, other relatives and an abundance of friends.

In lieu of flowers, contribute to the development of a trust for her grandchildren, Brian, Brooke and Blake.  This trust will honor her by providing for their future education and well being.  Your generosity will be a beautiful testament to the impact she had on our lives!  Thank you for your thoughtful support.

Donate to The Legacy of Betty J. Terrell

 zelle:  bettyjterrell@sbcglobal.net

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