Betty Jane Joy Mein

In Loving Memory of Betty Jane (Joy) Mein August 9, 1954 – May 19, 2025 Betty Jane (Joy) Mein, age 70, a devoted wife, beloved mother, cherished grandmother and great-grandmother, dedicated educator and mentor, passed away peacefully on May 19, 2025, in North Carolina.

Born on August 9, 1954, in Keene, New York, Betty devoted her life to shaping young minds and inspiring a lifelong love of learning. After earning her Bachelor’s degree in Elementary Education from Pensacola Christian College, she spent 37 years teaching at Latham Christian Academy, where she was admired for her compassion, leadership, and unwavering commitment to her students. She will forever be remembered in the hearts of all those who had the privilege of calling her “teacher.” 

In 2021 Betty “retired” and fulfilled a lifelong dream by building her dream home in North Carolina with her beloved husband, William Mein, Jr. But true to her calling, she soon returned to the K5 classroom, unable to resist the joy of teaching and continuing to impact young lives.

Betty will be remembered for her deep faith, boundless love, and tireless devotion to her family. She was a steadfast supporter, wise counselor, and the heart of her home. She poured herself into the lives of her husband and six children with joyful selflessness. To know Betty was to feel truly seen, supported, and loved by her. Betty is survived by her loving husband, William; their six children: Tammy, Todd (Michelle), Ted (Cherilyn), Joshua (Stephanie), Diana, and Mickayla (Brian); their grandchildren: Rebekah, Jeffrey, Troi, Mikaleigh, Zachary, Alyssa, Lizzy, Stephen, Haleigh, Austin,Tyler, Aaden, Jacob, Liam, and Evelyn; six great-grandchildren; and countless students whose lives she touched. Also surviving are her siblings, Ken Joy, Jeannie (Fran) Colby, Allan (Nancy) Joy, David (Sandy) Joy, Cathy (Marshall) Charette, Sandy (Dave) Rock, Scott Joy, and Ron (Robin) Joy. 

She was preceded in death by her parents, Kenneth and Patricia Joy; sister, Elaine (Joy) Ruest; and sister-in-law, Nor Joy. 

The funeral will be held at Woodland Baptist Church, Winston-Salem, NC, on Saturday, May 24, 2025, at 11:00 a.m., with visitation following. A second service is planned at Latham Bible Baptist Church in Latham, NY, on Thursday, May 29, at 12:00 p.m. with interment following. The family will receive visitors before the service from 11:00 a.m.-12:00 p.m. To honor Betty's legacy, the family requests donations to a scholarship fund at Woodland Baptist Christian School.

Betty’s life was a testament to faith, service, and unconditional love. Her light will continue to shine through all who knew her.