Betty Jo Harris Reese, 75, of Fernandina Beach, Fla., passed away Tuesday, November 19, 2019 at her home.
She was born in Fannin County, Ga., one of eight children born to the late Hobert L. and Myrtle Earley Harris.
Betty Jo attended and graduated from Fannin County schools. While in high school, she was captain of the girls basketball team. She also participated in cheerleading and softball.
Over the years, she held many jobs. She was an insurance adjuster, managed a music recording studio, and worked for Scientific Atlanta, and she became the second female in the state of Georgia who was certified to weld steel framing for highway bridge construction.
Always a free spirit, Betty Jo loved the outdoors and music and always considered herself a “Flower Child.” She attended the Woodstock music festival, and even as she grew older, she loved to be outside tossing a Frisbee. She was not afraid of any new adventure. She was even known to drive in "Powder Puff" dirt track car races.
She lived in Macon, Ga. for a number of years but moved to Fernandina Beach seven years ago to be with her family.
In addition to her parents, she was predeceased by six of her siblings, Hubert, Willa Mae, Harold, Gerald, J. L. and Ruth.
She leaves behind her children, Melinda (Daniel) Hendrick of Fernandina Beach and Dan’a (Matt) Chamberlain of Los Angeles, Calif.; her brother, H. L. Harris Jr. of Mineral Bluff, Ga.; her grandchildren, Emily Buchan of Commerce City, Colo. and Damien Hendrick of Fernandina Beach; and one great-grandchild, Oliver Buchan, as well as numerous nieces and nephews.
There are no services planned for Betty Jo. She will be returned to her native Fannin County, where she will be laid to rest with her parents.
Please share your memories and condolences at www.oxleyheard.com.
Oxley-Heard Funeral Directors