Betty Jo Green

Betty Jo Green, aka Betty Boo, was born on October 30, 1938 to Alvin and Florine Lewis in Waco, Texas.  She was the fourth child born to this union. Her parents and three of her siblings preceded her in death. Betty enjoyed her early childhood years in Waco, Texas with her siblings and other relatives.  They shared many happy times together full of laughter and fun. In 1945, the family relocated to San Francisco, California.  Shortly after, the family joined Providence Baptist Church, where Betty was active in the choir and other auxiliaries in the Church.

She was educated in the public schools of San Francisco and graduated from Mission High School.  During her grammar school years, Betty encountered a boy named Donald Green, who repeatedly asked her to be his girlfriend.  Betty repeatedly said “NO”. This young boy later made a bet (for $1) with Betty’s current boyfriend that he could steal her away from him.  Well, it worked and she finally said yes. Betty and Donald fell in love and right out of high school, Betty married the love of her life on November 30, 1957.   To this union was born one daughter, Donyelle, aka Dee Dee.

In Betty’s early years, she held jobs in the custodial and personal assistant fields.  She later continued her education and earned her AA Degree in Early Childhood Development from Skyline College.  This degree afforded her the opportunity to pursue her passion of working with children. Betty became a dedicated preschool teacher for many years and later founded and became the Director of Candlelight Child Development Center.  At the end of her tenure at Candlelight, Betty continued to fulfill her passion of working with children through the San Francisco Unified School District until her retirement.

In March 1959, Betty fully committed her life to Christ and started attending San Francisco Revival Center, now known as San Francisco Christian Center.  After this newfound commitment, Betty fervently prayed for her husband’s salvation. Within a month, her prayers were answered. Betty, along with Donald, became active members of the Church participating in various church activities.  Donald was called to the ministry and later became senior pastor, making Betty First Lady of San Francisco Revival Center in 1966. Over the 44 years as First Lady, she was known as graceful, full of wisdom, a prayer warrior and compassionate leader who served in many capacities.

Betty was a praise and worship leader, choir member, soloist, Sunday School teacher, President of the women’s committee, VBS teacher, participated in WorDrama productions and served wherever needed.

Betty is known for her beautiful singing voice, infectious smile, warm personality, kind heart, sense of humor and quick wit.  She never lost her ability to “throw shade” even while dealing with her health challenges. Betty was also known for her cooking, especially her berry cobbler at Christmastime, which was her favorite time of the year.  We can’t forget her beautiful silver gray hair and her classy style of dress. Though she had a sweet loving spirit, she was known to be humble, yet straightforward. To her family she was a loving sister, aunt, mother, grandmother and godmother.  Betty was especially close to her grandchildren, Jasmine and Roderick, who she lovingly called “her babies”. The family always looked forward to gathering at her home on Monday nights for some of her delicious cooking. 

Betty was married to her childhood sweetheart for 62 years. Together they traveled around the world for both ministry and pleasure. However, she always looked forward to spending time on the beaches of Hawaii.  They built a lifetime of memories that will be cherished forever. 

Betty leaves to cherish her memory, her devoted husband, Bishop Donald Green, her loving daughter, Donyelle Gittens and beloved son-in-law Rev. Roderick Gittens of San Francisco CA; her dear sister, Jean Williams and beloved brother-in-law Arnold Williams of Daly City CA; one loving granddaughter, Jasmine Gittens of New York, NY; one loving grandson, Roderick Gittens of San Francisco CA; two sisters-in-law, Fraitus Green Perez and Andrea Green of San Francisco CA, one brother-in-law, Bruce Green (Patricia) of Brentwood, CA; two dear lifelong friends, Robey Threadgill and Lodell Hudson, and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, godchildren, her loving friends, and her SFCC church family.

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Betty Jo Green, please visit our floral store.