Dr. Elizabeth Marks Anderson Jones, age 82, of Rocky Fork Rd., Gilmer County, West Virginia, departed this life at 1:52 a.m. on September 26, 2013 at her residence following an extended illness. Betty, as she was commonly known, was surrounded by family and friends while she passed peacefully.
Born May 21, 1931 in Gilmer County, daughter of the late James T. and Ormeda Moore Marks, Betty began her education in a one-room school house with her mother as her teacher. She went on to take courses at Glenville State College, but ultimately earned her bachelor's degree in education from West Virginia University in 1953.
One of the first women to graduate from Notre Dame, Betty went on to earn her graduate degree in counseling in 1965. In 1977, she earned her Doctorate in Public Administration from Nova University in Fort Lauderdale, FL. In 1988, the Colorado Rehabilitation Association recognized Betty for her outstanding services and contribution to the National Rehabilitation Association.
The Commission on Certification of Work Adjustment and Vocational Evaluation Specialists deemed Betty a Certified Vocational Evaluation Specialist in 1994. Betty established Anderson Rehabilitation Centers in Colorado and Kansas, using her education and talents to help individuals regain their life in a new career path.
While education was clearly a priority in Betty's life, she also understood the value of having fun. In 1966 , she became one of the first women in the area to obtain her pilot's license. This adventure was one of the highlights of her life. Another of Betty's most prized possessions was a letter she received from Yale stating that though the university did not accept women in their program at that time, if and when that policy changed, Betty would be the first woman accepted into Yale's law school.
In addition, Betty was actively involved in the Republican Party, spending time in Washington, D.C., working with think tanks, campaigns, etc. When she returned to West Virginia, she became president of the Gilmer County Republican Women's Association and continually encouraged young females to exercise their right to vote.
On April 12, 1981 she was united in marriage to Paul R. Jones, who preceded her in death on April 11, 2000.
She is survived by four step-children from that marriage, including Debra McDonald with husband Lee of Gainseville, FL; Susan Zimmerhackel and husband George of Lakewood, CO; James Jones of Denver, CO; and Jill Ferrell with husband Derek of Gallatin, TN.
Also surviving are eight step-grandchildren; Chris Ahlbrandt, Jessica Ahlbrandt-Carlisle, Niki Powers, Deven O'Rourke, Randy Jones, Jake Jones, Kellin Ferrell, and Colman Ferrell, and six step-great-grandchildren. Also surviving are two brothers, Max Marks and wife Melba of Palm Beach Gardens, Florida, and Gene Marks and wife Eula of Elyria, Ohio.
Along with her parents and husband, Betty was preceded in death by two brothers, James Moore Marks and Robert Jackson Marks. Upon the loss of her first brother, Betty became very close to his four daughters, often times claiming them as her own, including Debbie Ellyson and husband Kurt of Burnsville, WV; Cathy Heater of Weston, WV; Elizabeth Fisher and husband David of Mcuine, TN; and Rebecca Woodson of Weston, WV. Betty's influence extended to numerous great and great-great nieces and nephews.
When she returned to West Virginia to retire on the family farm, Betty became blessed with an abundance of family. This woman who had no biological children found herself continually referred to as "Aunt Betty" by nieces, nephews, and even their friends. Close friends Grace Tallhamer and Joanna Rutherford became like daughters to her. And when great-niece Jena Pettit built a home on the farm beside Betty, her four children -Phillip Gunter, Riley Gunter, Gracie Pettit, and Izabella Pettit became daily staples in Betty's life. The youngest of her late brother's grandchildren, Ava Cork, daughter of Misty Ellyson Cork and husband Brad, was the final ray of sunshine in Betty's life full of children, family and friends.
Just days before leaving this earth, Betty was preceded in death by long-time canine companion Von Trapper Jones. The two had been inseparable for over a decade and will apparently continue the next journey together as well.
Funeral services will be conducted at the Ellyson Mortuary Inc. 2 Vanhorn Drive, Glenville, West Virginia 26351 at 2:00 p.m. on Sunday, September 29, 2013, with Chaplain Bryon Bukoveski officiating. Friends may call from 5-8:00 p.m. Saturday evening at the Mortuary. At Betty's request, her remains will be cremated after funeral services. A memorial service will be held at the Blackburn Church on June 28, 2014.
Ellyson Mortuary Inc is assisting the family of Dr. Elizabeth Marks Anderson Jones with arrangements.
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