SUFFOLK—Bettye Jo House, 64, passed away January 12, 2022. She was born in Petersburg, VA to the late George House, Jr. and Myra Bland House.

Bettye grew up in North Carolina and Tidewater, Virginia in multiple cities in which her father served as City Manager, including Emporia, Winston Salem, Chesapeake, Suffolk, Norfolk, and Portsmouth.  Bettye completed a degree in Interior Design and was a GIA certified gemologist.  She was the successful business co-owner of "Jems from Jennie" with her mother as partner for 38 years, until retirement in April of 2017. They established a lasting rapport with the Churchland, Western Branch and North Suffolk communities as small business owners.

Bettye was an advocate for Veterans, the Arts, and Animal rights.  She was a true protector and mentor to many throughout her life. Her presence brought strength and passion to all she came in contact with. She established and ran many benevolent events and served as a board member for many charities in the area including but not limited to Wounded Warriors, Toys for Tots, Angel Tree, Portsmouth Fine Arts Commission and the SPCA.  In addition, after retirement Bettye volunteered with organizations to rescue and rehabilitate wildlife and was an active member of the Audubon Society.

Bettye spent her free time with friends and family traveling the world and seeking new adventures. She embraced opportunities to travel and reveled in the joy of experiencing different cultures, history, designing unique jewelry and making new friends.  Bettye was a loyal and loving friend to many and loyal and loving mother to all of her four-legged family.

Bettye was predeceased by her parents and grandparents. She is survived by her loving family including her furry children Jenny and Charlie; "sisters" Theresa and Starr; "nieces" Hannah and Becca; and "grandchildren" Cadence, Stassia and Silas; as well as brother G. Robert House III; sister-in-law Donna House; and her mother's loving friend Bobbi Jones.

A memorial service will be held for Bettye at a later date, this spring. Condolences may be registered at BWFosterFuneralHome.com.