Betty Jean Baptist, 91, of Virginia, IL, died Wednesday, Nov. 22, 2023, at home.

She was born Feb. 10, 1932, in Cass County, IL, the daughter of William and Daisy (Atwood) Walton. She married James Baptist on July 10, 1947, in Winchester, and he preceded her in death on Jan. 13, 2001.

She is survived by one daughter, Tasha Maxine Baptist of Virginia; one brother, James Walton of Ft. Worth, TX; and multiple grandchildren, great grandchildren, nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her parents; husband; two children, Ron Baptist and Brenda Graham (surviving husband Bob of Virginia); two brothers, Harvey Walton and Larry Walton; and two sisters, Darlene Rogers and Maxine Geiss.

Betty was a residential care worker for Illinois School for the Deaf in Jacksonville. She was a longtime member of Assembly of God in Virginia as well as Faith Tabernacle in Jacksonville. Betty was also a longtime member of AFSCME Local 38 where she served as union president, AFL-CIO, and People Organization.

Cremation rites have been accorded. Private family services will be held with burial at Walnut Ridge Cemetery in Virginia. Memorial gifts are suggested to an education fund for her surviving daughter c/o Candi Shaver. The Buchanan & Cody Funeral Home in Virginia is in charge of arrangements. Condolences may be sent online at buchanancody.com.