Betty Jo

In Loving Memory of Betty Jo Betty Jo Cornwell Gunn, a cherished mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, and friend, passed away peacefully at her home in Atlanta, Georgia, on September 3, 2026, following a brief illness. Born on December 9, 1929, in the heart of Atlanta, Betty Jo lived a full and vibrant life, deeply rooted in love, family, and faith. The daughter of John C. Cornwell and Winnie Pearl Cornwell, Betty Jo was raised in a home filled with the warmth of Southern traditions and values. She attended Roosevelt High School, graduating in 1949, where she began to develop her talents and passions that would accompany her throughout her life. She graced local radio stations with her voice and modeled for Betsy Ross Bread, capturing the hearts of many with her charm and grace. In the spring of 1956, Betty Jo married the love of her life, John Benjamin Gunn, a respected newscaster for AGA-TV 5 and later a public affairs officer for the Georgia Department of Natural Resources. Together, they built a life centered around family and community. As a devoted homemaker, Betty Jo dedicated herself to nurturing her children, Barry L. Gunn and Candice S. Gunn, fostering in them the ambition and drive to pursue their dreams. Betty Jo's passion for life extended beyond her family. She was an avid gardener, always tending to her plants with love and care. Her fascination with the natural world was evident in her lifelong enthusiasm for bird watching, a hobby she cherished deeply. Animals of all kinds held a special place in her heart, particularly cats, dogs, and horses, who brought her endless joy over the years. Her faith was a cornerstone of her life. Betty Jo was a devoted member of the First Baptist Church of Atlanta, where she found solace and strength in her relationship with the Lord. Her unwavering faith was a guiding light, inspiring those around her to live with grace and compassion. Betty Jo was preceded in death by her beloved husband, John, her brothers, Herman and Harold J. Cornwell, and her sister, Virginia Reynolds. She leaves behind a loving family who will forever cherish her memory: her son, Barry, her daughter, Candice, her granddaughter, Pearl Curtis and her husband William, and her great-granddaughter, Ivy Josephine Curtis. In honor of Betty Jo’s life, a private funeral ceremony will be held for immediate family members. The family kindly requests that in lieu of flowers, donations be made to a charitable organization of your choice in Betty Jo's memory. Betty Jo's life was a testament to the enduring power of love, faith, and family. Her legacy will live on in the hearts of those who were fortunate enough to know her. She will be dearly missed but remembered with immense love and gratitude.