Pastor Betty Jean Morris Jones, affectionately known as “Baby” by her grandchildren, began her earthly journey on April 30, 1938, in Birmingham, Alabama. She was born to the late Annie Mae Morris Hurt and Feaoley Morris and was the third of five children, sharing a special bond with her twin sister, Barbara Jean. As a young girl, she relocated with her family to the Jersey Shore, where she would plant deep roots in faith, family, and community.
A proud 1957 graduate of Asbury Park High School, Betty’s early life was marked by a love for music and ministry. At the age of 15, she accepted Christ as her Savior, and alongside her twin sister, became known as one of “The Singing Sweethearts” of Asbury Park. Their harmonious voices echoed through local churches, offering praise and worship that touched many hearts.
Betty’s heart for service led her to Monmouth Vocational School, where she earned her credentials as a Licensed Practical Nurse. Before beginning her nursing career, she worked diligently as a presser. She later served for 20 years at Jersey Shore Medical Center, both as a floor nurse and a dialysis nurse. Betty also worked as a private duty nurse, offering compassionate care to patients in their homes. Her dedication to healing and helping others was a reflection of her unwavering faith and love.
In 1961, Barbara and Betty entered into holy matrimony with an uncle and nephew in a beautiful double wedding ceremony. Tiana, Tori, Trecia, Tara, Tracy, Talmon, and Tia were born from both unions. Her role as a mother was one she cherished deeply, nurturing her children with wisdom, strength, and grace.
Pastor Jones’s greatest joy and divine calling was her service to the Lord. For over eight decades, she was a foundational member of the First Pentecostal Church, where she served faithfully under the leadership of Pastor Geneva Crudup. She also served under Bishop Paul Brown as Assistant Pastor, head of the FPC Ministerial Staff, Sunday School Teacher, Trustee, Abundance Group leader, and founder of the C.A.R.E. Ministry. She also held leadership roles as District and Local Women’s President and served as both a member and President of the FPC Adult Choir.
Pastor Betty was also a talented conference organizer and was adept at crafting themes. She regularly employed these gifts to develop creative topics for both her local and Diocese Women’s Department and the Minister and Deacon’s Wives Retreat. Her tireless commitment to her church, the North-Eastern District (Second Episcopal Diocese), and the United Churches of Jesus Christ was an inspiration to all. In recognition of her extraordinary service, she was honored with the "Woman of the Year" award by the United Churches of Jesus Christ.
Pastor Betty was gifted with exceptional creativity and skill, especially with her hands. A masterful crocheter, she lovingly crafted ponchos, jackets, and blankets that warmed both body and soul. Her talents extended to the kitchen, where her culinary delights became cherished family traditions; her Banana Pudding, Sweet Potato Pies, and Banana Bread were legendary and lovingly remembered by all who had the joy of tasting them.
To know Pastor Jones, was to encounter a woman of immense strength, profound wisdom, and deep love. She was a diligent student of God’s Word, a firm disciplinarian when needed, a gentle teacher always, and a kind, witty, and humorous soul. Her life was a living sermon, faith in action, and her legacy will continue to resonate in the hearts of all who were blessed to know her.
Two of her favorite scriptures were:
"Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new." - 2 Corinthians 5:17 (KJV)
“Thou wilt keep him in perfect peace, whose mind is stayed on thee: because he trusteth in thee.” - Isaiah 26:3 (KJV)
Pastor Betty Jean Jones is predeceased by her parents, Annie Mae Morris Hurt and Feaoley Morris; her stepfather, Deacon Richard Hurt, Sr.; her twin sister, Barbara Jean Jones; her siblings, Feaoley and Frances Elizabeth; her stepbrother, Richard Hurt, Jr.; her brother in love, Theodore Jones, a special friend Mother Annie Mae Parrish and her husband, John Oscar Jones.
She leaves a legacy of love to be cherished by her four daughters and two sons-in-law: Tori Lei (Bishop Paul L. Brown), Trecia Ann, Tracy Aileen, and Tia Johnette (Dr. Peter-Donnell Boynton); her adoring grandchildren: Tanaya Latesh, Tamara Areese, Bria'na LaVonne, Taphenese Lanette, Taleisa Mona, Tashelle Lenee' (Derrick), Amber Vaughn, Terrell Leighton, Ju’el Tia, Donnell Jonathan, and Donovan Ishmael; her great-grandchildren Takayla, Amirah, Jaylen, Azariah,Taahir, Josiah and Tyce. She is also survived by her brother Willie James (Yvonne); Sisters-in-law Lena Mae, Hezaline, Shirley, and Anna Ruth; special sisters, Priscilla, Mildred Jean, Pauline and Viris; a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, her beloved church family, and dear friends.
Her light has not been extinguished, it now shines brighter in the presence of the Lord.
OUR Mother
God wanted us to learn some things;
What joy a gentle touch can bring,
What kindness and compassion do,
And how a firm hand helps us too;
What strength there is in gentleness,
What power lies in a caress,
How one can show love for another—
And so He gave us you...
We Love You,
The Family
