Betty Tyson Stonnell
September 1, 1930 – March 28, 2021
Betty Tyson Stonnell (Betty Jeanne), 90, peacefully passed away at her Henrico home on March 28 with her family by her side. Betty Jeanne was a beautiful, vivacious woman who was interested in everyone and everything. She made friends wherever she went. She had an unforgettable sense of humor and was always ready for a long visit filled with warm hugs, huge meals, belly laughs, strong coffee, storytelling and endless encouragement. She studied art at James Madison University and was a gifted painter and writer. She also loved music and songwriting, and enjoyed entertaining family and friends by launching into tunes on her uke or on any available piano. She was predeceased by her daughter, Elizabeth Gardner (Jefferson), and her beloved husband, John Kemper Stonnell. She leaves behind a large and loving family of children, grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and close friends too numerous to count. She is greatly missed. A celebration of her life will be held at 3:00pm on Saturday, June 5, 2021 at Affinity Funeral Service (Enterprise Parkway location). In lieu of flowers, donations to The Gayton Kirk Presbyterian Church would be greatly appreciated.
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BJ helped me in my life in so many ways and really helped me to get through some of my hardest times. She always cheered me up with her stories and her songs and her laughter and her great big compassionate heart! She is an unforgettable person in my life, and I am so much richer for having known her. I am so greatful she had her wonderful big family to entertain her and care for her right up to the end. So grateful she wasn’t quarantined and lonely! She was the best of the best!
BJ was a one of a kind person. I met her at chury and we became close friends. When my mom passed BJ said she’d be me Mama and after that she became Mama BJ to me. She always had welcoming hugs, smiles and kisses. We had long talks, lots of laughter, she was such an inspiration to me. I’m missing her already, but heaven has a loving new angel. Mama gave a talk at church once and said she never had “senior moments” she had intellectual overloads. I’ll never forget that. Mama, I love you for loving me, have fun in heaven playing the piano and ukulele! My prayers for the family and all who knew her. Test in peace Mama.
BJ was a friend in my early church life at The Gayton Kirk and I always admired her beautiful hair and French bun. She was a light to everyone she met and my mother and I thoroughly enjoyed her company.
Dotsy and Becka,
I can’t remember a time when your Mom wasn’t loving and caring, even when as children we had behaved badly. She was always warm and supportive and someone you always knew you could turn to when you needed someone to confide in. I know she will be missed by many and I send my love, my thoughts, and prayers to you and your family.
Betty Jeanne was my closest aunt on the Tyson side. She has been so kind, and an inspiration to me in many ways, including my love for art, music, humor, family and fun. Had much fun growing up with Tommy, Flave Jr., my father, Betty Jeanne, and clan. We always had a good time when family got together. She is fortunate to be with some of them now on the other side. She is loved and will be greatly missed.