Jane Bowden Crosby

Jane Elizabeth “Bettye” Bowden Crosby, formerly of Varina, passed away on April 4, 2023, peacefully at her river home on a beautiful evening on the Rappahannock River. She was preceded in death by her husband of 63 years, George David Crosby Jr..

Bettye was born in Richmond, Va. on August 14, 1936, to William Nelson and Bessie Vaughan Bowden. She graduated from Highland Springs High School in 1955. She was a Dental X-Ray Technician at The Medical College of Virginia for many years until she and George started their family. She raised her children and then returned to work at the opening of John Rolfe Middle School. She continued to work for Henrico County Schools in the front office and library for 22 years. She was a faithful volunteer at St. Mary’s Hospital for 35 years at the visitation front desk. She never met a stranger there and loved when expectant mothers toured the facility.

Bettye was a lifelong member of Fort Lee Baptist Church. She was a proud member of the Ruth Sunday School Class. She was active in the Social Committee where she helped organize and cook food for different events thru-out her life. She also helped with Vacation Bible School for many years. Bettye was a member of the Varina Women’s Club. She represented Varina in the Tobacco Bowl Parade.

She is survived by her son, Dave Crosby (Jaime), daughter, Dana Blake (Tim), her grandchildren, Hunter David Crosby, Eva Anne Crosby, Christopher Shawn Blake, Katherine Blake Shaw, and Jackson Parry Crosby.

Bettye truly lived a life of service and was a quintessential southern woman until her very last hours. In honor of our southern woman, please wear your Talbots best to celebrate her life.

For those wishing to do so, memorial contributions are suggested to ASK Childhood Cancer Foundation, 5211 W Broad St #100, Richmond, VA, 23230.

Arrangements have been made: Visitation at Nelson’s Funeral Home Saturday, April 8 from 3:30 – 7pm located at 4650 S. Laburnum Ave., Richmond. Funeral services to be held on Monday April 10 at Ft. Lee Baptist Church at 11am located 2727 Charles City Road, Richmond. Interment following services at Washington Memorial Park at 6217 Memorial Drive, Sandston.