Betty Joyce Thigpen–Anderson, also known as “BJ”, was born on June 24, 1949, in Laurel, Mississippi. She was the only child born to her parents – Jordan (Sonny) Thigpen Jr. and Martha J. McCurty-Thigpen. After that union was dissolved, both parents remarried leaving Betty with 3 sisters and 2 brothers on her father’s side: Dr. Darrel Thigpen (Dense), Janice Sparks (Shelton), Deborah King (Willie) McComb, Anita Johnson, and Wendall “Peanut” Thigpen. On her mother’s side: Michael Jackson (Sharlyn), Ronnie Musgrove (Ann), and sister Carolyn Jackson-Griffth (Edward).
Even though Betty was born in Laurel, Mississippi she was raised in San Diego from the age of 6. She attended Logan & Valencia Park elementary schools, O’Farrell Junior High School and Morse High School class of 1968. Betty also attended San Diego City College for 2 years before being hired by Air West Airlines in 1970 as a Hostess, now known as a Stewardess and Flight Attendant, for 37 and half years. She traveled the world and merged with several other airlines (Republic Airlines-Northwest Airline and finally Delta Airlines). Over the years she was based in Las Vegas, San Francisco, Seattle, Memphis, Minnesota, Detroit and finally Los Angeles. For the last 20 years she has only flown international flights.
In 1974, she was introduced to her husband Rudy Anderson by a mutual friend. They were married in Las Vegas on April 15,1976. To that union 2 sons were born, Ra’mon Andre and R’mon Howard, and one stepson Randy Monte. Betty was raised in a Christian home and as a young teen she was baptized at Calvary Baptist Church under the Pastorage of Dr. S.M. Lockridge, for many years. In 2002, she started attending Greater Life Baptist Church under the pastorage of Willie E. Manley and his son Pastor Cedric Manley.
Betty passed on October 31, 2025.
Family members that preceded her in going home are her father Jordan “Sonny” Thigpen, stepfather Jessie L. Jackson, brother Dr. Darrel Thigpen, and beloved mother Martha J. Jackson.
Betty leaves behind to cherish her memory her husband of 49 years Rudy, son Randy Anderson, daughter-in-law Monsy Anderson-Mitchell, sons; Ra’mon (Cathy) Anderson and R’mon (Syretta) Anderson, grandchildren; Lovely Anderson-Fears (Jalen), Ian Woods-Anderson, Derek & Nariah Mitchell, and Tyler & Kaylani “Peanut” Anderson.
