Betty Jane Forsythe

Betty Jane Forsythe, age 91, passed away on Tuesday, January 18, 2022, at Abbotswood at Irving Park Memory Care Home in Greensboro, North Carolina. Betty was born in Biloxi, Mississippi on February 24, 1930, as the third child of Clifton and Hilda Cox where she joined older siblings Miriam, Clifton Jr., and later younger sister Joann. Betty lived her childhood during the Great Depression of the 1930's. During this time, she gained valuable experience by working part-time in her dad's grocery store. She also developed her distinctive "Mississippi Accent" that would last a lifetime. Betty's studious ways and strong work ethic motivated her to graduate from Biloxi High School in just three years. She went on to the University of Southern Mississippi where she earned her Teachers Degree also in three years! Betty enjoyed a lengthy career as an elementary school teacher working in Blytheville Arkansas, Houston and Beaumont Texas, and Fairview Oregon. In the latter years of her teaching career Betty earned a master's degree in counseling from Lewis and Clark College in Portland Oregon. On March 23, 1951, Betty Jane Cox became Betty Jane Charleston with her marriage to Warren H. Charleston in Biloxi Mississippi. Warren brought two young children, Sharon (Dare) and Warren (Harley) to the marriage thereby creating a challenging new role for Betty as a wife and instant mother. In the next few years, the Charleston family grew to four with the births of Martha Jane on October 28, 1952, and Anna Lee on June 24, 1954. Warren and Betty made their home in the Beaumont Texas area until 1969. At that time, a need arose to move to Portland Oregon to take care of Hazel, Warren's aging mother. Warren and Betty made the Oregon move with Martha and Lee and also welcomed Jan Taylor to the Mt. Tabor Home. In 1972, Betty's niece Celeste LeDuke joined the family where she became invaluable to Betty for many years in many ways. Warren and Betty enjoyed 42 years of marriage until Warren's death on November 12, 1994. In 1998 Betty married Glenn Storms. They lived in Fairview Oregon and enjoyed 19 years of marriage until Glenn's death in March 2017. In July 2017 Betty married Frederick Forsythe. They lived in the Courtyard Fountains Retirement Home in Gresham then the Cherrywood Village Retirement Home in Portland until Fred's death on December 12, 2020 Most importantly, Betty was a devout Christian who enjoyed Bible Study and sharing the gospel with others. She lived her life as a faithful Christian with many years of membership at the 160th Avenue Church of Christ in Portland Oregon. Betty was an ardent reader throughout her lifetime. She also enjoyed jigsaw puzzles and completing the New York Times crossword puzzle. Years ago, she was a guest on the Portland edition of the nationally acclaimed Antique Road Show where she proudly shared her antiques and the family story behind them. Betty was also an exceptionally talented artist who specialized in creating beautiful paintings. Betty is survived by her children Warren (Harley) Charleston of Vidor Texas, Sharon (Dare) Campbell of Vidor Texas, Martha Jane Cox of Happy Valley Oregon, and Anna (Lee) Whiting of Greensboro North Carolina. Betty is also survived by several grandchildren Betty Mahan, Lee Gordon, Kris Charleston, (Harlan Charleston Deceased), Lanna Rainwater, April Cox, Kyle Whiting, Kara Abuhashem, Tyler Whiting, and Paige Whiting. Betty especially enjoyed a warm and cordial relationship with her daughter-in-law Lavonda Charleston who helped her through may illnesses and moves! All family members, nieces, nephews, great grandchildren, and others were profoundly affected by the warmth and caring nature of this remarkable woman. There will be a Zoom Virtual Memorial and Celebration of Life Service on Saturday, February 19, 2022, from 1:00 to 2:30 pm. (Pacific Time) The following information will guide you to accessing the virtual service from your computer, phone, tablet, or other device. Bob Cox is inviting you to a scheduled Zoom meeting. Topic: Betty Jane Forsythe Memorial and Celebration of Life Time: Feb 19, 2022, 04:00 PM Eastern Time (US and Canada) 03:00 PM Central Time (US and Canada) 02:00 PM Mountain Time (US and Canada) 01:00 PM Pacific Time (US and Canada) Join Zoom Meeting https://us02web.zoom.us/j/83494593183?pwd=aUY4dDZ0RzV6TEFpY2Z3QmxMWGM5UT09 Meeting ID: 834 9459 3183 Passcode: 334323 One tap mobile +13017158592,,83494593183#,,,,*334323# US (Washington DC) +13126266799,,83494593183#,,,,*334323# US (Chicago) Dial by your location +1 301 715 8592 US (Washington DC) +1 312 626 6799 US (Chicago) +1 646 558 8656 US (New York) +1 253 215 8782 US (Tacoma) +1 346 248 7799 US (Houston) +1 669 900 9128 US (San Jose) Find your local number: https://us02web.zoom.us/u/kJ9lzPyjN An interment service for Betty will be held at Willamette National Cemetery on Friday, April 22, 2022, at 1:30 pm. Please be aware that COVID-19 restrictions require attendees wear masks and socially distance six feet or more. Please arrive at 1:00 to allow adequate time to get to the service area. The address for Willamette National Cemetery is 11800 SE Mt. Scott Blvd. Portland, OR 97086-6937. The family wants to express their thanks and gratitude to the caring and professional staff at Willamette National Cemetery in Portland Oregon and Hanes Lineberry Funeral Home in Greensboro North Carolina for their services.