Betty Jean Brown

Betty Jean Brown, 93, of Chesire, Ohio, died Thursday, January 8, 2026, at the Arbors at Pomeroy. Betty was born on December 14, 1932, in Freeborn, Kentucky, the daughter of the late Homer and Josephine (May) Phillips.

Betty was first married to the late Joseph D. Maples for 24 years, and from that union two daughters were born, Carolyn and Debbie Maples.

She is survived by her two daughters Carolyn (Bill) Nicholson of Middleport, Ohio; Deborah (Brian) Duggan of Mill Valley, California; three grandchildren; four great grandchildren; sister Margie Reynolds of Lexington, Kentucky and nephew Tim (David) Reynolds of Lexington, Kentucky.

On April 3, 1976, Betty was united in marriage to the late Jimmie G. Brown.

Betty is survived by five stepchildren, Chris (Melody) Brown of Bidwell, Ohio; Keith (Deana) Brown of Bidwell; Ken (Carolyn) Brown of Ashland, Ohio; Kim (Rick) Brunton of Gallipolis, Ohio; Karen (Joe Horsley) Adams of Gallipolis, Ohio; nine grandchildren; thirteen great grandchildren; and three great-great, grandchildren.

She was preceded in death by her husbands, parents, an infant brother Frank Phillips, sister Faye Phillips, two grandchildren, one brother-in-law, one niece and one nephew.

Betty and her sister Pat rode a horse named Prince to a one room schoolhouse every day. She started working at a young age and decided to deliver mail on horseback. She later became a school bus driver and could barely reach the pedals. Somehow, she made it work, like she always did, and she was rewarded with sweet kisses from the kids as they left the school bus. Later, she was a bookkeeper for many years at the local water department. Betty retired at a young age and enjoyed many hobbies. She enjoyed woodworking, traveling, and camping with her husband for many years. They own BB’s Craft Cottage on State Route 220, Piketon, Ohio. There, Betty would toll paint beautiful items and sell them at local craft shows.

To be closer to her family, Betty moved to Chesire, Ohio, in 2016 after the passing of her husband. Betty continued many hobbies such as sewing, quilting, and camping. Betty continued camping with her family until she was 90 years old. If you knew Betty, you probably received a pillow, quilt, hand-painted knick-knack, or a good meal. Betty was an excellent cook and always made your favorite meal when you arrived at her home. Family and friends will miss Betty deeply; how fortunate they are to be loved by her.

Betty was a member of the Bradford Church of Christ in Pomeroy, Ohio.

In addition, the Bradford Church of Christ, for always thinking of her, and providing a bountiful meal after the service.

The funeral service for Betty will be held at 1:00 p.m. on Monday, January 12, 2026, at Willis Funeral Home with Pastor Russ Moore officiating. Burial will follow in Ohio Valley Memory Gardens. Friends and family may call at the funeral home from 11:00 a.m. until time of services.

Dinner will be provided at The Bradford Church of Christ, Recreation Building- 38260 Bradbury Rd, Pomeroy, Ohio.

The family would like to thank those who provided special care for Betty, the last two years: Belpre Landing, Arbors at Pomeroy, and Buckeye Hospice.