Betty Jean Ogden

Born into the union of Lucius and Betty Brown, Betty’s life was marked by love, faith, and unwavering devotion to family and community. As a child, Betty spent her early years in Columbus, Ohio, and Cape May, New Jersey, living with her mother, stepfather, and younger brother, John. After her stepfather’s discharge from the Navy, the family relocated to Buffalo, New York, where Betty attended Buffalo public schools and later graduated from Fosdick-Masten High School. In her 20s, she gave birth to Albert Foster, Crystal Foster, and David Foster. She worked diligently as a clerk at the Erie County Courthouse, balancing her responsibilities with grace and strength. In her early 30s, Betty gave her life to her Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, at Bethesda Tabernacle in Tonawanda, New York. Her newfound faith filled her with joy, and she eagerly shared it with her loved ones, especially her mother, whom she persistently invited until she too embraced the Christian faith. Betty found great joy in teaching Sunday School, singing in the choir, and learning to play both the piano and organ. In her late 30s, she purchased a home for her family and mother on Laurel Street in Buffalo, New York. There, she met the handyman across the street—who happened to be a minister—unaware that he would later become her husband. Betty married Prince Ogden, and together they welcomed two children, Jonathan and LaDonna. The family eventually moved to Tonawanda, where Betty and Prince, both ordained ministers, established *God’s Deliverance Center* on Leroy Avenue in Buffalo. Their ministry served the local community with outreach and assistance for many years. As her children grew up and moved on, Betty relocated to Atlanta, Georgia to escape the cold Buffalo winters and to be near her daughter Crystal. Her stepfather eventually relocated to Atlanta, and she lovingly cared for her stepfather until his passing. Her heart remained close to family, and she would frequently travel by bus to Buffalo and Columbus to visit Aunt Hattie and other relatives. During her journeys, she passed through Knoxville, Tennessee, and fell in love with its more temperate climate. Ever independent, Betty eventually moved to Knoxville and embraced her new surroundings wholeheartedly. A woman of many talents, Betty loved playing the piano and organ, journaling, and writing short stories, poems, and inspirational pieces under a pseudonym, guided by the Holy Spirit. She adored flowers, plants, and the outdoors, and she found immense joy in caring for the dogs her daughters brought into her life—delighting in every moment as a devoted dog mom. Betty found deep fulfillment in church and community life. Surrounded by a warm circle of seniors and neighbors, she cherished fellowship, shopping trips, and meals shared with friends. After moving to a senior condominium, she formed close-knit relationships with neighbors who looked out for one another. She enjoyed neighborhood walks and even had a friend who lovingly planted flowers in her yard. Despite facing health challenges—including eye surgery and the unfortunate gradual decline of her vision that eventually led to permanent blindness—Betty remained resilient. After a leg injury impacted her mobility, she relocated to Washington, D.C. to be near family. As her health failed, Betty was lovingly cared for with direct support from her family until she was called home on the morning of April 2nd to be with her Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. Betty is preceded in death by her daughter Crystal Foster and her son Albert Foster. She leaves behind the following family members to cherish her memory: her children, David Foster, Jonathan (Candice) Ogden, and LaDonna Ogden; her sister, Karen Roberts; her grandchildren, Kehli, Albert III, Ebony, Jasmine, and Jordan; and a host of extended family members, friends, and loved ones who were blessed by her light, love, and legacy.

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Betty Jean Ogden

October 1, 1930 - April 2, 2025