Pastor Jo Ann Betton

Jo Ann Williams Betton, age 77, passed away peacefully on Sunday, May 10, 2026, Mother’s Day, at Riverside Hospital in Columbus, Ohio.

Jo Ann was a devoted mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, daughter, sister, aunt, cousin, and friend. Affectionately known by her siblings as “ ”J” JAB or Boss Hog,” she carried a strong spirit, a loving heart, and a presence that could not be ignored.

She was born on December 9, 1948, in Columbus, Ohio, to Jafus Williams Jr. and Virginia E. Williams. She grew up in a loving home with her siblings: Carolyn Napier, Rita O. Fletcher, Douglas Williams, and Ronald Williams all of Columbus, Ohio. From an early age, Jo Ann learned the values of hard work, resilience, faith, and compassion.

Jo Ann was educated in the Columbus Public School System and graduated from Columbus East High School in 1966. She attended Ohio State University. She was an avid reader and later retired from the United States Postal Service after 31 years of dedicated service.  Most importantly, Jo Ann loved the Lord. She was baptized at the Church of Christ of Apostolic Faith,
1200 Brentnell Avenue, Columbus, Ohio where she served as a minister. She later became a faithful member of Zion Christian Assembly Church, where she served for more than 15 years as a minister,elder, assistant pastor, and prayer warrior. She served God faithfully until the end.

Jo Ann was blessed with two daughters, Monique Hower and Nia Betton. As a mother, she gave unconditional love, wisdom, strength, and guidance. She also cherished her role as grandmother to three grandsons and great-grandmother to two great-grandchildren. She leaves to cherish her memory her daughters, Monique (George) Hower and Nia Betton; her mother, Virginia E. Williams; her siblings, Evangelist Carolyn (Pastor Gregory) Napier, Rita O. Fletcher, Douglas Williams, and Ronald (Janet) Williams; Grandsons: Kevin Williams, Marsean Betton and Brandon
Evanshine; Great Grandson Isaiah Evanshine and Great Grandaughter Kaliegh Kamiya Threatt, along with many extended family members and dear friends.

She was preceded in death by her father, Jafus Williams Jr.; paternal grandparents, Jafus and Alice O. Williams; maternal grandparents, Henry and Georgia Gibson; brother-in-law, Kevin Parker Fletcher; nephew, Kevin Parker Fletcher II; and many other loved ones.  Jo Ann will always be remembered for her joy, her faith, her strength, and the beautiful way she connected with people. Her life was a testimony, her service was sincere, and her love will continue to live in the hearts of all who knew her.

Therefore, be it resolved: That we honor the life, legacy, faith, and service of Assistant Pastor Jo Ann Williams Betton. Though our hearts are heavy, we thank God for the gift of her life and the blessing of her example. We will miss hearing her prayers as she reached out to the throne room.

Respectfully submitted with love and sympathy.

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