BETTY JO GURLEY

Johnston City–Betty Jo Gurley 83, of Johnston City, passed away on Wednesday November 11, 2009 at 1:03 P.M. at her family home.

Services will be held at 3:00 P.M., Saturday November 14, 2009, at the Murman & Wilson Funeral Home in Johnston City with Pastor Larry Stevens officiating. Burial will be in the Lakeview Cemetery in Johnston City. Visitation will be from 1:00 P.M. to 3:00 P.M. Saturday at funeral home.

Memorials may be made to the American Heart Association. Envelopes will be available at the funeral home.

Betty was born on April 19, 1926 in Marion, the daughter of Hubert and Elsie (Roberts) Armstrong. She married Floyd Gurley Jr. on May 31, 1942 in Perryville, MO. He preceded her in death on July 1, 2003. Together they shared 61 years of marriage.

Betty attended Marion High School. She was employed several years at Smoler Brothers in Herrin. She was also employed by the Y.M.W.A. and National Brokerage of Johnston City, where she was a manager for many years. In 1960 she became a beautician assistant for Eunice Fletcher. In 1961 she proudly opened her own beauty shop, where she enjoyed working with her customers and friends for fifteen years. She was a member of the former Freewill Baptist Church of Johnston City.

Betty was an avid basketball fan. She loved traveling and spending time with her family, especially her great grandchildren, who were her pride and joy. She always looked forward to her weekly phone conversations with her sister in California.

She is survived by one daughter, Barbara Ann Erwin and husband Ronald of Johnston City; one granddaughter, Chandra Jennings and husband Tim of Johnston City; two great grandchildren, Dakota and Savannah Jennings of Johnston City; one sister, Shirley Kays of Vista, CA; one sister-in-law, Maxine Atkins of Oblong; nieces and nephews, Judy Atkins and Vernon Atkins of National City, CA, Sharon Atkins of Robinson, Jack and Patty Armstrong and Jesse Armstrong of Marion; and special friends, Carl and Virginia Planinc of Carterville.

She was preceded in death by her parents; husband; brother, Hubert Armstrong Jr.; and sisters, Dorothy Springs, Dolores Armstrong, and Darlene Armstrong.