Betty Joseph Collier Kindt

1941 - 2025

Betty Joseph Collier Kindt

May 2, 1941 - December 17, 2024

Jefferson City, Tennessee - Betty Joseph Collier Kindt (Betty Jo), 83, of Jefferson City, Tennessee, passed away peacefully on December 17, 2024, surrounded by her loving family. Her favorite hymn, Amazing Grace, was sung to her as she returned Home.

Born on May 2, 1941, in Raleigh, North Carolina, Betty Jo was the beloved daughter of the late Joseph Roby and Annie Harris Collier. She graduated from Knightdale High School in 1959 and earned a degree in Elementary Education from East Carolina University in 1963.

Betty Jo had a distinguished 35-year career as an elementary school teacher in both Fort Myers and Cape Coral, Florida, where she was admired for her love of her second and fifth grade students, storytelling and knowledge of local Florida history and her dedication to the teaching profession. She was an active member of the Alpha Kappa Education Sorority #1172 in Fort Myers.

Betty Jo also was an active member of the Order of Eastern Star, Fort Myers Chapter #31, where she served in many offices including Worthy Matron in 2010. She actively participated in the Florida Grand Chapter and was invited to be the Grand Representative of the Grand Chapter of Wyoming in 2018. She received her 50-year pin in 2020.

Betty Jo truly loved her Pine Island community and was active on the board of Friends of the Library and the Pine Island Players. She was a member of Fishers of Men Lutheran Church, St. James City, where she served as chairperson of the Altar Guild and on the church council. She enjoyed introducing people and her students to the history of the Calusa and participated in several digs on Pine Island. She loved to travel the world with friends and family, and especially enjoyed Scottish-American activities with Clans Donnachaidh and Armstrong. She also served as secretary of the Cape Coral Antique Car Club and received several awards for her 1937 Chrysler Royal.

Preceded in death by her husband, James Burton Kindt, and parents, Joseph Roby and Annie Harris Collier, Betty Jo is survived by her big sister, Dr. Anne Collier Armstrong of Jefferson City, Tennessee; favorite niece, Annie Armstrong Wing and husband, Edward, of Jefferson City, Tennessee; and favorite nephew, Charles Harris Armstrong III and wife, Jeanie, of Thorn Hill, Tennessee; and many wonderful cousins. A graveside service will be held on her birthday, Friday, May 2, at 12 noon, where she will be buried with her parents at Montlawn Memorial Park, 2911 S. Wilmington St., Raleigh, North Carolina.

In lieu of flowers and due mainly to her love of rescuing and rehoming island cats, memorials can be made in her name to Helping Paws Animal Sanctuary, 10060 Mallory E Pkwy, St. James City, FL 33956.

Arrangements by Stetzer-Bales Funeral Home and Montlawn Memorial Park.