Betty June “B.J.”  Jannereth

Betty June "B.J." Jannereth, age 85, passed away unexpectedly but peacefully on August 9, 2016 and was the daughter of Lee James and Margaret Lucille (Fowler) MacDonald.  She was born in Grand Rapids, MI and graduated from Kelloggsville High School.  She was preceded in death by her parents; a brother; two sisters; son, Carl Jannereth; grandson, Chandler McClain; son-in-law, David McClain.  She is survived by her husband, James Lee Jannereth; daughters, Ellen (David, deceased) McClain, Lois (Brad) Pippel; daughter-in-law, Deborah Jannereth; 9 grandchildren; 6 great-grandchildren; sisters, Marilyn (Edward) Vargo; Joan (Charles) Midgette; Linda MacDonald; brother, Duane (Marsha) MacDonald; and many beloved nieces, nephews, cousins, relatives and friends.  B.J. loved the Lord and served faithfully as His prayer warrior.  She was a member of Southlawn Church of God, Wyoming, MI, where she taught Sunday School for decades, led numerous Bible Studies, youth groups, Action Group for Youth, sang in the choir and was a church elder.  No one will forget her ready smile.  Her hospitality included hosting numerous foreign exchange students, parents, friends, siblings, and children’s friends, all were welcomed and loved.  Family meant everything to B.J.  She was anybody and everybody’s “Grandma”. She was a trusted confidante for many, spending many hours counseling and providing spiritual wisdom for the situation.  Jim and Betty met at the roller rink which is still located on Division Ave. by 52^nd Street.  She was the coat check clerk that caught Jim’s eye.  Jim and Betty were married on September 30, 1950, and this year would be celebrating 66 years of marriage.  Betty first worked for Globe Knitting Works sewing “long johns”.  Three children were born and there were many years of volunteering at Central Elementary, Grandville Public Schools, helping in her kids’ classrooms in whatever capacity was needed.  This eventually evolved into a full-time position as a special education classroom aid for over 18 years, many of which were served at Cummings Elementary School.  A Celebration of Life Memorial service will be held Friday, September 2, 2016, at 4:00 p.m. at Matthysse-Kuiper-DeGraaf Funeral Home, 4646 Kalamazoo Ave. SE, Kentwood, MI  49508 with Pastor Richard Alcumbrack officiating.  Cremation and burial have taken place in Grandville Cemetery.  Visitation will be held Friday at 3:00 p.m. prior to the service at the funeral home.  In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to Southlawn Church of God, 3880 Jefferson Ave SE, Wyoming, MI  49509.  The family realizes that the timing of the service is a holiday weekend and our wishes would be that you enjoy any previously made plans, however we would love to read your stories which may be entered on the website.