Betty Jane Jorden

Betty Jane Brinkman Jorden was born May 14, 1926 to Raymond & Catherine Brinkman in Jackson, MI. The second of four children, Betty outlived her siblings by two decades, reaching 100 years of age.

Betty met the love of her life at the young age of 15 and married Charles Wesley Jorden in December 1942. They had five daughters – Pamela, Kathleen, Pamilyn, Karen and Patrice. They were married for 69 years and their family expanded to 10 grandchildren, 20 great grandchildren and 10 great-great grandchildren.

Betty followed Chuck around to each of his Army Air Force stations (no accommodations were made for spouses back then) and later moving with his aerospace engineering job with Aeroquip, living in CA, AZ, MI, VA, OH and TX. Chuck often said that Betty earned her “wings and bars” along with him.

As a dedicated homemaker, wife and mother, Betty was a good cook (except for her experimental casseroles!) and skilled seamstress, making most of her children’s clothes. She was always proud of her daughters and their accomplishments. Betty and Chuck square danced for many years with a competitive club, with Betty making her square dance outfits and matching shirts for Chuck.

They traveled in a 31 ft Allegro motor home for several years during retirement exploring the US and Canada, enjoying the sites and history. All of their travels took them to 49 states (Alaska the exception). Church activities were always central to family life as members of the United Methodist Church in MI, VA, OH and TX.

Both Betty and Chuck belonged to the senior adult choir “Saints Alive” at First UMC Hurst, singing at Sunday morning services and musical presentations. Both tutored at Bellaire Elementary School in Hurst, receiving special recognition for their years of service. Betty was an active member of the Prayer Shawl Ministry, knitting dozens of shawls that were then blessed and given to those in hospitals, nursing homes, the homebound, those grieving a loss or difficulty.

In later years, Betty was the reigning Bingo Queen at StoneCreek Assisted Living & Memory Care facility and rarely missed an activity or event. Quite the foodie, meal times were both an enjoyment and a time of fellowship with friends. Betty was always so appreciative of the staff and caregivers, feeling happy, content and calling StoneCreek home. During her last months, Mariah and Ana, nurses with Custom Care Hospice, provided comfort for Betty and guidance for the family.

Betty is now joined with the love of her life and we, her daughters, are so grateful for the example our parents set. You will be missed Mom, Grandma, Great-Grandma, Great-Great Grandma, Aunt!

A Celebration of Life will be held on October 10, 2026 at 11:30 a.m. in Pirtle Chapel at First UMC Hurst, 521 W. Pipeline Rd, Hurst, TX 76053. The Chapel is located on the east side of the church at entrance E20. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the Prayer Shawl Ministry at the church.