Elizabeth Mahoney Obituary

JOHNSON CITY - Elizabeth Josephine (Betty Jo) Mahoney of Johnson City passed away peacefully on August 4, 2023 at the age of 90. She was born in Rheatown, Tennessee at the home of her grandparents and was delivered by her grandfather, Dr. Edward Jeffers. She grew up in Johnson City and spent most of her life there, with her life centered around her family and church. She was a faithful and active member of Otterbein United Methodist Church, where her father was the pastor, for many years. Subsequently, she became a member of Munsey Memorial United Methodist Church and worked in the front office for many years. She was a loyal University of Tennessee Volunteer fan and faithfully followed football and basketball games on television.

Betty Jo was predeceased by her parents, the Reverend E. B. and Mauveline Hayes Jeffers, sister Elaine Rose, son Jeff Mahoney, and grandson Dustin Mahoney. She is survived by her children Ed "Sandy" Mahoney and Rita, Maura Barnett, Brian Mahoney and Cheryl, and Joe Mahoney; grandchildren Bert Barnett and Kimi, Mary Lewis and Dustin, Luke Barnett and Suraya, John Barnett and Malia, Sean Mahoney and Jennifer, Kevin Mahoney, and Seth Mahoney; four great grandchildren; brother Lendell Jeffers and Peggy, and sister Patsy Morley; special aunt Mary Ruth Jeffers, and numerous well-loved nieces and nephews.

Always proud to be an East Tennessee native, she enjoyed cooking and serving up regional recipes, and was especially known for her desserts. One of her humble sayings was that she really wasn't a good cook, that anyone who could read and follow a recipe could cook. Let's just say she could read and follow better than most. She graduated with the Science Hill class of 1951 and was an excellent student beloved by her teachers, much to the later chagrin of her children who followed her through those schools and heard many teachers say "oh, if you're Betty Jo Mahoney's child, I expect a lot of you!" After high school, Betty Jo attended ETSU, and subsequently married Dr. Harold Mahoney and started a family, moving to Arlington, Virginia and Lancaster, Pennsylvania before resettling in Johnson City to raise her family.

She enjoyed her brief time at the Princeton Transitional Center where she engaged in many activities and reconnected with some old friends.

There will be a 10:00 AM graveside service, officiated by Reverend Brian Taylor, at Monte Vista Memorial Park on Saturday, August 12, 2023. Visitation will take place from 1:00 to 3:00 PM at Munsey Memorial Methodist Church followed by the funeral service, officiated by Reverend Lauri Jo Cranford and Reverend Doug Grove-DeJarnett.

The family would like to thank the staff at Johnson City Medical Center, especially the teams in the emergency room and on floors 4300 and 2600. Donations, in memory of Betty Jo, may be made to Munsey Memorial Methodist Church in Johnson City. Jeffers Funeral and Cremation Service are in charge of the arrangements.