Obituary of Betty Jane Edwards
Our much beloved mother, Betty Jane Edwards (ne’e Betty J. Yarrington) passed away
peacefully at home,, on May 18th, 2023. Betty was ninety eight years of age. She was born
August 21st 1924, in Dayton ,Ohio, the only child of Margaret Kidney and Clarence (Mick)
Yarrington.
In her youth, Betty Jane , nicknamed `Peaches’ by her friends, joined the Dayton roller skating
club. She participated in the many regional skating competitions, both in pairs skating and
women’s singles. Betty placed 2nd in the women’s singles ,National skating championship that
year. A few years later , she relocated to Fresno, California, where a new Ice rink had been built
and at this time, she made the transition from rollers to ice skates.When the Canadian Mens’
hockey team came to town, it was she , who coached them on the more advanced techniques
of maneuvering on the ice.
Later in life, Betty became the secretary to the curator of the San Francisco, Legion of Honor.
Where she worked in the prestigious Achenbach Foundation for the graphic arts department.
After a few years there, she left to become the executive secretary to the president of San
Francisco community college, under Lena Bancroft. She stayed there until her retirement. Betty
eventually settled in Sacramento, California, where she lived until the end of her life. Betty had
a life long appreciation of the arts and loved the jazz music of her generation. The big bands ,
Count Basie, Duke Ellington and the vocalists, Sarah Vaughn, Billy Holiday and many others.
She was an advocate for the environment , having been a long time member of Nature
Conservancy. She also loved animals ,taking numerous rescue dogs into her home and caring
for them. Her comfort dog “lady” was by her side at the end of her days. She was also a proud
member of the SPCA. Because of her kindness, good humor and independent spirit, she was
greatly admired by all that knew her.
Betty Jane was twice married. First to Lester Tilson with whom she had one son and later to
Floyd L. Edwards with whom she had two more sons and two daughters. Betty is survived by
her children: Marc E Tilson, Jeff Edwards, Jessica Edwards and Elizabeth Yarrington. She joins
her son, Dana W. Edwards , who recently passed. Grandchildren: Sonya Awwad, Audrey Hill,
Heather Marrazzo, Renante Edwards, Diana Bergstrand, Abigal Edwards, Thomas and James
Edwards, Christian Edwards and Louis A. Edwards. Great grandchildren: Markey and Jake
Marrazzo, Helena and Diana Awwad, Mia, Juniper, Tulsi and Demelia Bergstrand.
All her children will be forever grateful for her loving presence in our lives.
May God bless her beautiful soul and carry her home.
Ode To My Mother
My mother is at home in her lovely gardens
where every kind of flower thrives
A lavish opera each day is staged, this
place where life is sweet
and each moment, wonder-wise
