Obituary of Betty Jean Moore

Obituary for Betty Jean Moore
November 9, 1935- August 27, 2017

     Betty Jean (Franz) Moore, 81, of Jeffersonville, Indiana, died peacefully on Sunday, August 27, 2017. She showed strength and courage in her quiet battle with cancer with the support of her loving family, friends, and Hosparus.
     She was born on November 9, 1935 in Louisville, Kentucky to William G. and Doris J. (Duncan) Franz. At age 19, Betty married Don W. Graham and they had two children. Following her divorce in 1965, Betty worked as a bookkeeper and office manager. In 1970, she married John W. Moore and their blended family now included six children between the two of them. With John’s expertise as a jeweler and hand engraver and Betty’s business sense, together they expanded John W. Moore Jewelers, which flourished on 3rd Street in Louisville until John’s death in 1987. Betty continued the business and eventually relocated to Jeffersonville in 1992. She retired in 1997. Throughout those years, Betty completed a number of courses in gemology, becoming a certified gemologist through the Gemological Institute of America (GIA). She developed her leadership skills in a variety of ways by reactivating the Kentucky Jeweler’s Association (KJA), for which she was the first female president and later executive secretary, and also becoming active in the Jeffersonville Downtown Merchant’s Association.  As president of the Downtown Merchant’s Association, she spearheaded efforts to revitalize local business and the Jeffersonville waterfront by supporting an initiative to bring riverboat gambling to the foot of Spring Street. After her retirement, she enjoyed her time working at the Ken Ellis Senior Center as a recreation leader.
   The enthusiasm and dedication she had to her business and other local merchants were exceeded by her love and commitment to family. She especially enjoyed any opportunity to indulge her many grandchildren. Betty was a generous person who often put others before herself. She was sweet, kindhearted, and had a good sense of humor. Everyone was welcome in her home. Her love of dogs offered her companionship throughout her life, and she was sought as a wonderful pet sitter for others’ precious pets. 
     Betty is survived by her children, Sherrie Graham-Greene of Lexington, KY and Richard Graham of Woodbridge, VA. Her surviving grandchildren include Mara (Clay) McDonald, Lexington, KY, April Greene, Lexington, KY, and Ashley Graham, Boynton Beach, FL. Her stepchildren include Debbie (Austin) Grimes, John (Linda) Moore, Connie (Jeff) Miller, and Tim (Karen) Moore, as well as 10 step grandchildren and numerous step great grandchildren. In addition, she is survived by a half brother, William Franz, New Albany, IN.
     As a memorial to Betty, a celebration of her life will be held from 6-9 pm on Thursday, August 31 at her home. Please contact Richard Graham at 703-909-3973 for more details. In lieu of flowers, please consider making a donation in her name to Hosparus, P.O. Box 35425, Louisville, KY 40232