Betty Jane
(Salmon) Jones
Betty Jane (Salmon) Jones, died at home on July 22, 2022. Betty was born at home on August 14, 1937, in Chesapeake City, Maryland and was the 4th. child of the late Albert and Anna Williams.
As a young girl, Betty loved time spent outdoors in the countryside. She loved ice skating on the mill pond and running races with her four brothers and one sister. She excelled at school, both academically and in school sports. Betty was a talented basketball and softball player during her years at Chesapeake City High School.
She graduated from high school in 1955. Since that time, she has remained close to her 21 classmates as lifelong friends. She took great pleasure in staying in touch with everyone and in planning their class reunions.
Betty took secretarial classes at the Goldie Beacon Secretarial School and excelled at organization, bookkeeping and shorthand. She went to work in civil service for the U.S. Army at the Aberdeen Proving Grounds in Aberdeen, MD.
She loved every minute of her job there and always said it was one of the best times of her life. In 1956 she was transferred to New Castle County Air Base in New Castle, DE where she met her future husband, Jack Salmon. They married in December 1957. In 1958, after Jack's discharge from the Air Force, he and Betty moved to Dover, DE where Jack took a job with the Diamond State Telephone Co.
Betty and Jack purchased a lot on Philchris Drive and with help of a few friends, they built their first home. It was a wonderful neighborhood where they lived happily for many years, building lifelong friendships.
Betty continued to work in civil service at the Dover Air Force Base. After her second child was born, she chose to remain home and focus on her growing family. She had three children and said she "loved every aspect of motherhood."
As her children grew older, Betty went back to work as teacher's aide at the John S. Charlton School for children with special needs, for over a decade. This was a challenging role, but she was very fulfilled by it. She loved her students and worked hard to make a difference in their lives.
After that she began working for the Delaware Department of Agriculture where she was an Administrative Assistant. In 1984 she and Jack moved to Bowie, MD, where Jack worked for AT&T.
When Jack retired in 1988, they moved back to Dover to build their dream home. Sadly, Jack passed shortly after their move. Betty tirelessly continued with their plans as the general contractor for the project. She was on the job daily to oversee the contractors and made countless decisions every day. It was very difficult at the time, but she rose to the challenge to complete their dream.
Betty began working again for the State of Delaware as the Assistant Librarian at the Caesar Rodney Jr. High School. She loved this job, and particularly enjoyed working with the students. Eventually she retired and was ready for a new chapter in her life.
Betty met William LeRoy Jones through the Wesley United Methodist Church, they began dating and eventually married in April 2009. She was an active member of Wesley United Methodist Church and several women's groups. Betty and LeRoy enjoyed their time with friends, travel, and a now larger extended family of 17 grandchildren!
Betty's life pleasures were her family. When recently asked about her purpose in life, she responded, "My purpose in life is to try to make people around me happy, to care for others, help in any way I can, whether it be children, grandchildren or friends."
She loved to cook, crochet, sew, garden and read. Betty took immaculate care of and great pride in her home, and all were welcome there. The home she created was a place of comfort and a refuge to many. There was always something wonderful on her stove or in the oven. To this day, her grandchildren love the smell of her house. It is home for them.
She is survived by her husband, William LeRoy Jones; children, David (Cynthia) Salmon of Dover, DE, Kimberly (Donald) Casson of Oxford, MD, Kathy (Daniel) Puntil of Pittsburgh, PA; grandchildren, Kristin (David) Miller, Kelly Salmon, Kyle (Rebecca) Salmon, Wesley (Patricia) Casson, Jack Casson, David Casson, Claire Puntil, Laura Puntil and Julia Puntil; great grandchildren, McKenzie, Madison, Mason and Jack; along with 12 nieces and nephews. She is also survived by her loving brother, Larry (Judy) Williams of Dover, DE; as well as many lifelong friends.
Betty's family will hold visitations at Torbert Funeral Chapel South, 1145 E. Lebanon Road, Dover, DE 19901 on Thursday, July 28 from 5 - 7 p.m. and on Friday, July 29 at 11 a.m.
A memorial service will be held on Friday, July 29 at 12 p.m. also at Torbert Funeral Chapel South.
For those unable to attend the funeral service there will be a livestream on www.torbertfuneral.com, it can be found under the "Upcoming Livestreams" tab and viewed by clicking on her name.
Letters of condolence may be sent, and guestbook signed at www.torbertfuneral.com
In honor of Betty's sister, Doris, contributions to the local ALS Association may be made in lieu of flowers. https://www.als.org/donate