Betty Jean Christian, age 76, passed away Thursday, March 6, 2014, in Sycamore Township, Ohio. She was born Monday, September 20, 1937 in St. Louis, Missouri. Funeral Services will be conducted at 10:00 am on Friday, March 14, 2014 at Inspirational Baptist Church City of Destiny.(with visitation from 10:00 am until 11:00 am. Interment at Spring Grove Cemetery. Final arrangements entrusted to Walker Funeral Home, 1025 E. McMillan Street, Cincinnati, Ohio 45206. Call 513.251.6200 for additional information. Share special messages with the Christian family at www.HerbWalker.com. Betty Jean Christian was born on September 20, 1937 to the union of a widowed mother of three, Clara Parker Rush, to widower of one son, John O. Christian Sr. in East St. Louis, Illinois. She was the last member of that blended family. She has been preceded in death by her parents and siblings, Helen Rush Merritts Ray, Vivian Rush Merritts, Peter James Rush Jr., and John O. Christian Jr. Her father was an insurance salesman and a minister of The First Church of God. He moved his family to Cincinnati, Ohio in 1948 when he became Pastor of the Inner-City West End Congregation. Betty was a proud graduate of the Old Woodward High School in 1955. She remained active in her alumni group. Betty was employed at the U.S. Post Office for over 30 years. She was divorced and had no children of her own, however, took an interest in her nieces and nephews. She took special motherly interest in her nephew, 'Syl' after his mother passed. Betty was a member of the Inspirational Baptist Church under the pastorate of Bishop Dr. Victor S. Couzens. She attended services as often as declining health and mobility would allow. Betty had a lively personality. High school friend, Joyce Harrison and post office co-workers, including Mamie Jackson, Margaret Willis and Glenda Warren were especially dear to her. She loved to attend the annual summer music festival. She traveled widely, including several cruises with friends. She was a sports, soap opera fan. She closely followed city and national politics. Betty struggled in later years with several medical issues, including lymphoma cancer. She passed from complications of renal failure on March 6, 2014 at Jewish Hospital. She leaves to mourn her loss: nieces, Gale Merritts Davis, Ann Merritts Smith, Sylvia Merritts Whittington; nephews, Leon M. Merritts, Sidney S. Merritts and their children. She never knew a stranger. Betty will be missed by her many lifelong friends.