Betty Hanna

Betty Jo Hanna, 83, of Traverse City, Michigan, passed peacefully into eternity on September 16, 2026. She was born in Eastport, Michigan, to Claude Joseph Brewer and Roxie Maxine King on July 14, 1943.

On October 7, 1961, she married Edward Jackson Hanna and spent 10 years in the Chicago suburbs raising their three boys: Donald Edward, Matthew Scott, and Christopher Thomas. In 1971, the family relocated to Traverse City, Michigan.

In 1986, Betty earned her associate's degree from Northwestern Michigan College and went on to serve in administrative roles for Auto-Owners Insurance.

Affectionately known as "BJ" to family and friends, she shared her love of God through the joy of music—playing piano at home and for church services, as well as singing in choirs. Betty Jo was known for her strong faith in Jesus Christ, generous spirit, and radiant smile, ever concerned with the eternal welfare of others. She loved traveling, often accompanying Ed on mission trips to Central America in support of Ed’s brother Ken Hanna with CAM International (now Camino Global).

Her happiest moments were found in sharing life with family, from birthdays and concerts to graduations and weddings. Betty was a natural people person, easy to connect with, and a wonderful listener.

She is survived by her loving husband, Edward; her three sons, Donald, Matthew, and Christopher; and her siblings Earl Brewer, Nancy (Brewer) Richards, and Jim Brewer. She was preceded in death by her parents and her brothers, Dan Brewer and Bob Brewer.

A celebration of her life will be held at Bible Baptist Church in Traverse City, Michigan, on Saturday, September 26, 2026, at 11:00 AM. The service will be live-streamed on the church’s website at bbctc.org (http://bbctc.org/).

Memorial Contributions may be made to Bible Baptist Church, designate benevolence fund.

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