Betty Jo Martin

Betty was united in marriage to Wilbur L. Martin on February 5, 1949, and together they raised two children, Anthony, and Mona.

Betty worked as a phone operator and owned the El Leon restaurant in Van Buren, MO with Will when the

kids were small.

Betty went on to become a beautician and graduated from Aladdin Beauty School. Following school, she went to work for Conjetta LaCapra at LaCapra’s Beauty Salon in Kansas City, MO. She later went to work for Darlene Schrekler at B&B Beauty Salon in Independence, MO where she worked for several years before opening her own business, Golden Dour Beauty Salon. There, she worked tirelessly for 40+ years running the business and ensuring her customers were pampered and tended to – having been known for doing permanent waves and colors as early as 4am if needed, until she retired in 2007.

Betty was a Baptist, and her faith shaped her life. She was devoted to her family and gave selflessly of herself to them. She was the true Matriarch of her family. Affectionately known as Momma, Grandma, Aunt Betty, GG (great-grandma) and later as Triple G for Great-Great Grandma, she lived by good old fashion common sense, was mild mannered and always proper. She kept a spotless, beautifully decorated, and orderly home. She had a keen eye for fashion and interior design. While she ate like a bird, she always had orange juice and wafer cookies, and as an avid reader, a home full of books.

Betty was preceded in death by her parents, Luther and Thelma Esmond, husband Wilbur Martin, brother, Robert Esmond, son, Anthony Martin, and our beloved Digger.

She is survived by daughter, Mona Austin of Blue Springs, MO and daughter-in-law Beverly Martin of St. James, Missouri, grandchildren Rick (Mary) Eidson of Independence, MO, Jeremy (Susan) Tweedy of Blue Springs, MO, Sherri (Lonnie) Clay of Raytown, Mo, and Nicholas (Jasmine) Martin of New Market, Maryland. Great-Grandchildren, Brittney (Zach) Martin of Belton, MO, Neil Eidson & Sierra Houston of Belton, MO, Greg White of Bolivar, MO, Journey and Isaac Tweedy of Blue Springs, MO, Austin Feugate, Camron Feugate, Annalyn Clay and Myla Clay of Raytown, MO., Great-Great Grandchildren Evander Martin, Atlas Martin, soon to be born Odynn Isabelle Jo Martin and Isla Eidson of Belton, MO, Nicholas Martin, Nigel Martin and Bodhi Martin of New Market, Maryland, Niece, Kim (Mickey) Plemmons of Versailles, MO, great-nephews BJ McGary (Andrew Chandler) of Versailles, Mo, Caleb (Sydney) Plemmons of Eldon, MO, great nieces Rachel (Andy) Salmons of Latham, MO, Chasidy (Lance) Grant of Iberia, MO and great-great nieces RaeLynn Salmons of Latham, MO, Carmen Plemmons of Eldon, MO and Ellie, Hadlie, and Gianna Grant of Iberia, MO.

The family would like to thank HCA Homecare & Hospice (especially Nikki, Trish, Chelsey, and Olivia) for the care, compassion and dignity shown to Betty and the help they provided to our family.

A visitation will be held from 1-2 PM, service 2 PM, on Friday, April 28 at Floral Hills Funeral Home, 7000 Blue Ridge Blvd, Kansas City, MO. Burial will follow at Floral Hills.