Betty Jane Bost

Betty Jane Bost passed away peacefully at home surrounded by loved ones on September 26, 2021. She was born on July 29, 1926 in Oliphant Furnace, Pennsylvania as one of four daughters to the late Lawrence P. and Ella Thomas. She will reunite with her parents and beloved sisters, the late Viola Harris, Yola Kemp, and Julia Williams. Betty is survived by her two daughters, Jessica Hicks and Blenda (Darlye) Allen, her brother, George (Ernestine) Harris, and four grandchildren, Dr. Shari (Christopher) Graham, Dr. William J. (Nicci) Hicks II, Darren (Lesley), Hicks and Brett Allen. 

After graduating from George's Town High School in Oliphant Furnace, Betty moved to Pittsburgh and married Jesse D. Littleton. They started a family in Donora, Pennsylvania with two daughters Jessica "Rainey" and Blenda "Lindie". As a mother of two, Betty was fiercely protective and supportive of her family and developed a strong sense of independence while support from her sisters, near and far, contributed to a nurturing environment for her children. 

God-fearing and spiritual, Betty brought up her children at St. Paul Baptist Church in Donora and upon returning to Pittsburgh in 1959, reconnected with St. James AME Church. She attended St James AME for over 60 years and served on the Women's Usher Board. Her commitment to service extended her proud membership in the NAACP. 

Betty developed a love for sports as a child with an affinity for softball. Enjoying sports was a year round vocation for Betty and she was a natural fit in Pittsburgh as a devoted Steelers and Pirates fan. Indeed, sports brought out the true spirit and energy Betty possessed. 

Although energetic, Betty always allowed herself time to relax. You could often find her perched quietly at the kitchen table with one of the hundreds of crossword puzzle books she completed. Even while resting, she refused to allow her mind to sit idle, which proved to be key to her long-term acuity. 

Betty had a special relationship with her youngest daughter, Blenda, and later her son-in-law, Daryle, as their daily interactions created irreplaceable memories spanning over 50 years. When her fourth grandchild, Brett, was born, Betty played an invaluable support role in his care and development. As her other grandchildren married and had their own children, Betty proudly stood at the ready, looking to help in any way as she did with her own two daughters. Her impeccable organizational skills (developed as a lifelong executive assistant), flair for home cooking, willing affection, and supreme personal hygiene routine for infants, toddlers, young grands and great grands, created an indelible impression and a strong foundation of love her kids required. 

Betty was known for her innate ability to have a good time anywhere she went. Her warm disposition had a way of disarming strangers. She would receive birthday cards, flowers, and gifts from newly made friends from her travels. There was nothing average about Betty in all of the categories that truly matter. Her smile beamed brighter. Her laugh carried further. And the love she shared went deeper and everyone she encountered was better for it. 

IN LIEU OF FLOWERS, DONATIONS CAN BE MADE TO:

Heartland Hospice Care:            ST. JAMES AME CHURCH

3520 Route 130  Bldg. 3            444 Lincoln Ave

Irwin, PA 15642                          Pittsburgh, PA 15206

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