Betty Jo Brandt

Betty Jo Brandt (B.J. to those that loved her)—beloved sister, aunt, singer, devoted volunteer, and possessor of an impressively quick wit—passed away, Tuesday, December 30, leaving behind a legacy of faith, music, generosity, and laughter.

A proud member of the New Albany High School Class of 1970, Betty Jo spent more than 40 years at the U.S. Census Bureau, where her dedication, attention to detail, and ability to get things done without unnecessary fuss were deeply valued.B.J. believed strongly in showing her faith through action. She devoted many hours to cooking for the soup kitchen, serving others with kindness and consistency. She had a gift for stepping in where help was needed, but not before applying her lipstick and being dressed to the nines.One of the family’s favorite stories captures her practical creativity perfectly. While on a mountain trip with her sister Brenda and their mother Opal, the three found themselves lost, armed only with a map printed in a font clearly designed for people with exceptional eyesight. B.J. promptly devised a solution: Brenda would hold the map at a distance while B.J. stood even farther away and read it using binoculars. When Brenda and B.J. locked eyes across the mountainside, the absurdity of the plan became instantly clear, and they erupted into laughter.Gifted with a remarkable voice, Betty Jo could sing soprano, alto, and occasionally tenor, refusing to be confined to a single vocal line. She was a longtime and devoted member of Mt. Tabor Presbyterian Church, where she dearly loved her church family and shared her faith through music, service, and a perfectly timed comment.

Betty Jo was preceded in death by her parents, Rollen and Opal Brandt, and her brother-in-law Glenn Lawrence. 

She is survived by her sisters Brenda Snyder (Mike) and Barbara Lawrence; nieces Sally Snyder, Audrey Snyder, Sarah Lawrence Harris, Amelia Steier, and Lyla Steier; nephews Cole and Gavin Kaltman, Ben Lawrence, Patrick Lawrence, and Kevin Lawrence; and many extended family members and cousins who will miss her deeply. Betty Jo will be remembered for her sharp mind, generous spirit, deep faith, and her ability to find humor in nearly any situation.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations to Mr. Tabor Presbyterian church, HOPE of southern Indiana or St. Jude’s children’s research hospital.

Visitation will be held on Tuesday, January 6th, 2026, from 10:00am to 12:30pm, at Newcomer Southern Indiana Chapel, 3309 Ballard Lane New Albany Indiana 47150. A funeral ceremony will follow at 1:00pm at Mount Tabor Presbyterian Church, 918 Mount Tabor Road, New Albany Indiana, 47150, with burial to follow at Mount Tabor Cemetery.