Betty Jean "B.J." (Day) Marley
March 18, 1930 ~ June 13, 2023
Betty Jean “B.J.” (Day) Marley, 93, Plainfield, former longtime Indianapolis resident and educator, passed away June 13, 2023. Betty was born in Shoals, Indiana, to the late Claude and Hazel P. (Weisbach) Day.
She graduated from Shoals High School, and incredibly rare for the era, she earned her bachelor’s and master’s Degrees from Indiana University. She worked as a physical education and health teacher in the Indianapolis Public School system for 35 years. She rounded out her career as a guidance counselor, assisting many students with their college decisions. Betty was a member of the Indiana Teachers Association.
A former member of St. Alban’s Episcopal Church, she more recently was a member of Plainfield United Methodist Church, where she was a part of the Stephen Ministry. An avid reader and wonderful conversationalist, she was an experienced domestic and international traveler. One of her favorite places to spend time was Sanibel Island. She was a supporter of the arts and never turned down an opportunity to take in a Broadway show or a symphony performance. Betty was also a huge fan of IU Basketball and the Pacers. Betty was a talented and gracious entertainer who was known for her wonderful Christmas Eve parties. And it would be remiss not to mention her love for Yorkies, which she raised throughout most of her life. Most recently, her beloved MeMe was a constant and faithful companion. B.J. lived life to the fullest and was grateful for the many blessings that were hers.
Survivors include her family, Cyndi and Gary Cooke, Brian and Paula Peek, Randy and Judy Peek, Wanda Dickey, Tami Dickey, Steve and Claudia Dickey, Melody and Monty Wolf, and her granddaughter, Kelsey Cooke.
The Life Celebration® Visitation and Memorial Service will be held at Carlisle – Branson Funeral Service & Crematory, 39 East High Street, Mooresville. Visitation will be held from 10 a.m. to 12 Noon, Saturday, July 1, 2023, with the service following at 12 Noon. Memorial contributions may be made to the Plainfield Library Gift Memorial Fund or to the Plainfield United Methodist Church Cubs Den Friday Program. Envelopes will be available at the funeral home. Visit www.CarlisleBranson.com to share a favorite memory or to sign the online guest registry.
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Betty Jean was my cousin and a person I greatly admired and looked up to. One special memory I have of Betty comes from about 1973 when, as a young 12-year old. Betty took me to my very first high school football game. That was a big deal for a 12 year old growing up in the small town of Danville. I still remember who played, it was Arlington HS vs. Manual HS. I can’t tell you who won that game, but I can still remember Betty’s enthusiasm and kindness. She was an amazing, brilliant woman in every way. We miss her.
BJ was a wonderful woman! Mike and I knew Betty Jean thru cousin Cyndi and being part of the family! Attending Cyndi and Gary’s family and social events, BJ would be there to greet us with a smile and hug! BJ was a smart women and always interested to find out the latest happenings in Hometown Shoals. The love of Gram (B J ) and Kelsey for each other were evident and memories of BJ will last forever!
I met Betty when I was the secretary at St. Alban’s Episcopal Church. We became friends and I always enjoyed being with Betty and hearing her stories. I got my love of reading from Betty and still have some books she gave me several years ago. I will miss Betty and will remember her every time I sit down to read. God bless you, Betty.
BJ and my mother were neighbors at Stafford Pointe. They had lots in common and became very close friends. Through Mom, my wife and I became friends with her too. BJ was such a remarkable person! Always so kind, thoughtful, helpful, funny, interesting, and full of life. We admired and loved her so much. Life is just not the same without her. We love you and miss you, BJ! You will always live in our hearts.
Brian Peek and Family has purchased Eco-Friendly Memorial Trees for Betty Jean “B.J.” Marley