Betty Jo (Jackson) Bandy was born February 14, 1945 in Hannibal, MO to James Richard (Jamie) Jackson Jr. and Marjorie (Banks) Jackson. She passed away November 3, 2024 making her age 79 years 7 months 20 days.
Betty Jo graduated in 1962 from Herculaneum High School in Herculaneum, MO.
She was united in marriage to Ray Bandy June 3, 1962 and moved to the home in Summersville. She and Ray were married 35 and a half years when he passed away on December 19, 1997. To this union two children were born, Sylvia Jo and Jeffery Ray.
Betty Jo was preceded in death by her parents Jamie and Marjorie Jackson, a brother James Lawrence (Larry) Jackson, her beloved husband Ray Bandy and her son Jeffery Bandy.
She is survived by her daughter Sylvia Jo McVicker of Rolla, MO and daughter-in-law Leann Bandy of Columbia, MO, grandchildren Wesley and Sheila McVicker of Kansas City, MO, Elizabeth McVicker of Columbia, MO, Michael Bandy of West Plains, MO, Adam and Samantha Bandy of Alton, MO, Harley and Avery Bandy of Columbia, MO. 5 Great grandchildren Mason, Gabby, Tatum, Kian, and Wyatt.
Betty Jo accepted Christ as her savior at the age of 13. She was a member of the First Baptist Church in Summersville since 1962. She taught preschoolers in Sunday School and Vacation Bible School; served as church secretary; reporter and wrote the church news. She was editor and helped publish the First Baptist newsletter “The Baptist Happenings” for several years.
She loved to share and help people. She volunteered at the Open Door and helped deliver meals for the Senior Citizens Center.
Betty Jo always helped around the farm. She and Ray both found great pleasure in raising a good garden and keeping the property and grounds looking neat. Most people coming to the Bandy’s for the first time would comment “This sure is a pretty place”
In 1975 Betty started decorating cakes. This was supposed to be a hobby, but soon became a full-time job. One she enjoyed for 42 years. She loved seeing a person’s face light up when they saw their cake. She baked for many families for several generations. She was called the “Cake Lady”. People would ask “Is this a Betty Jo cake?” She hopes you enjoy her last gift. “I want my icing recipe on the back of my obituary card. That way I’ll have a good turnout at my funeral!”
Betty Jo was loved by her family, church family, friends, and cake customers.
She will be missed.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Summersville Senior Center or The Ronald McDonald House, https://rmhcozarks.org/donate/ronald-mcdonald-houses/ Services will be held at Bradford Funeral Home, Summersville, MO at 10:00 AM, Wednesday, November 6, 2024 with Bro. Michael Pitts officiating. Burial will be in the Summersville Cemetery under the direction of Bradford Funeral Home of Summersville.
