Betty Jo Pyne

Betty Jo Ray Pyne, 91, of So. Abington Twp, died Tuesday morning at home and immediately was in the presence of her beloved Savior, Jesus Christ.

Born in Panama City, FL, she was the eldest child of the late Ebben James Ray and Imogene Brown Ray. She was preceded in death by her beloved husband, William Isaac Pyne, Jr, who she married in St. Petersburg, FL in September, 1951. She was also preceded in death by her sister, Barbara June Turner, and brother, William James Ray.

Betty Jo inherited her Daddy's red hair and her Mother's strength of spirit. The jesting nickname of "carrot top" was a quick way for boys in high school to raise her ire and receive her correction. She loved learning and reading - especially her Bible, and working on puzzles. Word Searches about the individual books of the Bible were among her favorites. Her love of Math and a neatly printed and balanced column of numbers led her into a many years-long career as a bookkeeper where her meticulous attention to detail was valued and her faithfulness as an employee was appreciated. She had a knack for floral arrangement, often decorating her home and church dinners or banquets with her creations. She, and her husband, Bill, treasured having friends and family around her beautifully set table where they enjoyed her Southern-influenced cooking, lots of sweet tea, delicious desserts and conversations filled with laughter.

Betty Jo touched people and churches in four different states where life's journey led her and Bill. Those who knew and loved "Miss Betty" will remember her as an excellent student with a penchant for details and asking questions and as a decades-long friend who seemed to have an innate sense for when someone needed a phone call or a card and a handwritten note. Her big, beautiful smile calmed frightened children who were new to her Sunday School or VBS classes and it welcomed strangers into her world where she was quick to listen and offer counsel born out of her love for Jesus and the Scriptures she loved so much. It was also that smile and beautiful auburn hair that first caught the attention of her beloved William. Her children will remember her for her constant, nurturing love and her deep desire for them to walk and dwell in the knowledge of God's Word, and His love, care, and protection.

She is survived by her much-loved and devoted children, Karen Lynn Pyne, Racine, WI and son, Kenneth Ray Pyne and his wife Deborah of So. Abington Twp; four grandchildren, Emily Colby (Jonathan), Nathaniel Pyne (Stephanie), Timothy Pyne (Rebekah), and Alyssa Pyne. Seven great-grandchildren and many nieces and nephews were a part of the family circle she loved and prayed for daily.

The funeral will be held on Friday, April 16 at 10:30 AM at the North Valley Baptist Church, at the NEET Center, 1300 Old Plank Rd., Mayfield, PA with services led by her grandson, Pastor Tim Pyne.

The family will receive friends on Thursday, April 15 from 5 to 8 PM at the Lawrence E. Young Funeral Home, 418 S. State St., Clarks Summit, PA.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the Shepherds Ministries General Scholarship Fund at:  Shepherds Ministries - Betty Jo Pyne Memorial Gift, 1805 15th Ave, Union Grove, WI  53182.