Betty Joanna Jefferson

1931 - 2015

Betty JoAnna Hepner Church Jefferson
May 26, 1931 ~ December 15, 2015
BJ passed peacefully in her sleep at her home after a full, long and wonderful life and is now with the Lord. She was the only child of Betty JoHanna Olson Hepner Wood McGowen White and Clarence Lyle "Hap" Hepner. She attended Park Elementary, North JHS, and Boise High School. In 1948, she married Walter Scott Church III and they had two daughters, Annie and Janet. They were married for 11 years. In 1961, she married Everell Edward "Jeff" Jefferson, the love of her life of 20 years, with whom she had wonderful times both at Boise Little Theater and the Shrine.
BJ had a passion for reading and loved dogs and cats. Her first job was a veterinary receptionist and assistant. She worked as the receptionist for American Linen, got her realtor's license, and ended her working career in the office of Thriftway Lumber.
BJ helped build Boise Little Theater and was a lifetime patron achieving Best Actress Award, Best Supporting Actress Award, Gold Key Award, and the Century Award for being involved in over 100 productions. She was a director, board member, props and set designer, costumer, and anything else that needed to be done. She made many lifelong friends; her closest ones being Nancy Richards, Joanne Johnson, and Shirley Lake. BJ was also involved in Boise Music Week, Hartzler Musical Productions, Stagecoach Theater, Boise Opera, Theatre-in-a-Trunk, and Knock 'Em Dead. She was a member of the Ladies Oriental Shrine where she and Jeff were involved with many melodramas. She was also a member of the Eagles and Lady Elks.
BJ and her daughters were involved in Girl Scouting and she was a Girl Scout Leader. She loved camping and teaching girls to become independent young women. She was a kind and giving person with a sharp intellect.
BJ is survived by her daughters, Dr. Leona Jo"Anne" Church; and Janet Lynne Lizaso (Vince); granddaughter, Angela Leona Lizaso; and great-granddaughter, Marrisa Lynne Lizaso. She is also survived by her step brother, Wayne Wood (Marlene) and family; step-daughter, Roberta Kirschenmann; grandson, Mike Houston (Marilyn); granddaughter, Janeane Houston-Wyatt (Jason); three great-great-grandchildren; and numerous beloved cousins.
The family would like to thank the caregivers Billie Roberts, Carolina Kenney, and Brenda Swafford from Res-Care Home Care and Legacy Hospice for all the wonderful care to Mom.
A Celebration of Life will be held at Boise Little Theater, 100 Fort St, Boise, on Sunday, January 31, 2016 at 6:00 pm.
In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to Boise Little Theater or the Idaho Humane Society.
Memories and condolences may be shared with the family on BJ's memorial webpage at www.summersfuneral.com.