Betty Jo Willis

Betty Jo Willis, 85, of Jefferson City, passed away Friday, December 20, 2013, at The Baptist Home in Ozark, Missouri. She was born April 18, 1929, the daughter of Della Neely and John Willis. Betty Jo attended Jefferson City Public Schools beginning in Kindergarten at Moreau Heights through Jefferson City High School and one year of J. C. Junior College. She graduated from high school in 1947. She received her B.A. from William Jewell College, her M.A. from University of Texas at El Paso and did graduate work at North Texas State. Upon graduating from William Jewell she taught elementary school for five years in Casa Grande, Arizona. She then began her teaching career with the Department of Defense Overseas Dependent Schools where she spent 26 years teaching children of the military in each country of Japan, Okinawa, Korea, Turkey, Spain, Italy, and the Azores (Portugal). She took part in cultural events and attempted to learn the languages. Betty Jo is survived by one brother: Herbert Willis (wife Bernie) of Jefferson City; niece: Rosalyn Snellen, as well as many other nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by four brothers and two sisters. Services will be private. Expressions of sympathy may be made The Baptist Home or the charity of the donor's choice. Arrangements are under the direction of HOUSER-MILLARD Funeral Directors, 2613 West Main Street; Jefferson City, MO 65109. (573) 636-3838. Condolences may be left for the family online at www.millardfamilychapels.com