Betty J. Oxley

Born April, 5, 1925, in Flint, Michigan, Betty Jeanne (nee Swartz) Oxley passed away Thursday, September 3, 2020. She was preceded in death by her sister, parents, brother, and beloved husband Dale. She is survived by her five children - Kathy (Peter) Lee, Brian (Sally) Oxley, Tim (Sharon) Oxley, Dan (Donna) Oxley, and Chris (Beckie) Oxley, her 15 grandchildren, and 24 great-grandchildren. She is also survived by her sister, Beverly Haverland, and sister-in-law, Joanna Swartz, as well as many nephews and nieces.

She graduated Wheaton College in 1946, married her heart-mate, and left for 50 years on the mission field of Hitoyoshi, Japan. Since retirement, she has been a faithful member of Community Bible Church, in Nashville, TN.

The testimony of her life is strong and pure:

First, and foremost was her unwavering love of her Savior. Her desire to serve her Lord and Savior was self-evident. Through the many challenges and obstacles she faced while on the field, she persevered. It was her unshakeable faith in Jesus Christ and her conviction in the transformational power of the gospel that enabled her to do so. In many ways, the family believes that she was the glue that held them together. Even when recounting her most recent visit to Japan, it was the opportunity to share the gospel message with several Japanese that most excited her.

Second, she was always an encourager, with the gift of hospitality. Even in the bleakest of times, she always saw the little ray of sunshine; she had the ability to encourage with a gentle and kind word. She faithfully corresponded with those who have supported and prayed for the ministry in Japan and for her family over the years. She welcomed various groups from her Nashville church into her home on numerous occasions.

Third, she was a prayer warrior. She was a firm believer in the power and efficacy of prayer. For over 60 years now, she lifted up the ministry in Japan and the Japanese people to the Lord. Further, her prayers are not just generic in nature, but detailed and specific. She embraced her role as the spiritual mother of the Japanese Christians and took a personal interest in their joys, sorrows and challenges. She then expanded her heart to include the members of her neighborhood and church. Even in recent years, she drove herself one hour to her church services, because she was the Grandmother of the members - welcoming new visitors and encouraging regulars.

Finally, to speak about Betty is to speak of her incredible love and commitment to her husband. When the love of her life was struck down with the very debilitating Alzheimer’s disease, her love really shone through. Despite the incredible demands placed on her in dealing with the effects of this disease, she maintained a joyous and humble spirit. As she has stated on many occasions, and we paraphrase here, “Dale served me so faithfully in Japan and now it is my turn to serve him. I have no regrets and am happy to do so.” Her selflessness and unquenchable spirit are characteristics we should all emulate.

Given the current environment, we will have a private Celebration of Life on Saturday, September 12, 2020 at 11:00 am in the chapel at Hermitage Funeral Home. Even though attendance is private, you can view the service at www.FaceBook.com/brianandsallyscorner. We welcome you to join us, virtually, via FaceBook.

For those of you who wish to make a financial contribution, a memorial fund has been set up in our mother’s honor. All donations will be contributed equally between the Tomoshibi Bible Camp in Japan and TriState Bible Conference, two ministries dear to our mother’s heart. Checks should be made out to The Betty J. Oxley Revocable Trust and mailed to Chris Oxley, at:

3019 Kingston Cir N

Mt. Juliet, TN 37122