Betty Jean Joiner McGown, beloved mother, grandmother and friend, passed away on Sunday, August 25, 2024, at the age of 96. Betty was born March 14, 1928, in Winter Garden, Florida. She was the daughter of Talley and Inez Joiner.

From the age of 6, Betty grew up in Fair Oaks, a charity home for girls between the ages of 6-18. When she was 15, she moved with her aunt and uncle, Perley and Glen Webster, to the Pacific Northwest, eventually settling in Klamath Falls. She graduated from Klamath Union High School in 1947 and on June 16, 1947, she married James P. (Jim) McGown, Jr., whom she met at the First Baptist Church. Betty was a homemaker while bringing up her children and later worked as a teacher’s aide at Mazama High School until her retirement. Jim and Betty had three children: Rebecca (Becky), Kathleen (Kathy), and James III. Betty and Jim were married for 37 years before Jim’s untimely death in October of 1985.
Betty was a devoted wife and mother who was known for her kindness, humble spirit, and her love for the Lord. All her friends knew of her love for early American décor, and especially her delicious, sweet tea and fried chicken, which were always a hit at potlucks.
Survivors include her son Jim McGown and wife Mary of Richland, Washington; daughter Becky and husband Darrell Miles of Cleburne, Texas; grandchildren Grant Miles and wife Melissa of Sugar Land, Texas; Meredith Nwankwo and husband Nkemdilim of Lubbock, Texas; Erin McGown Saenz and husband Jason of Van Nuys, California; Nathan McGown and wife Emily of Richland, Washington; and Brenna Safft of Zillah, Washington. Other survivors include 8 great grandchildren and 1 great great grandchild. She was preceded in death by her parents, two brothers, Robert Fairchild and Talley Joiner, Jr; and daughter Kathy McGown Fresk.

A service to celebrate her life will be held on September 14, 2024, at 2:00 pm, at Parkview Estates in Kennewick, Washington, 7820 W. 6th St. 99336.

Memorials may be made in her honor to the Lottie Moon Christmas Offering, International Mission Board, 3806 Monument Ave., Richmond, VA 23230-3932 on online at https://www.imb.org/.