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Betty C. Jukes

Betty C. Jukes

Betty C. Jukes

March 1, 1932 – May 8, 2023. Betty C. Jukes, 91, formerly of Sun City Georgetown and Houston, passed away peacefully Monday, May 8, 2023, in Lakeway, Texas, with her husband of nearly 60 years by her side. Betty was born in Charlotte, North Carolina, but always regarded Orlando, Florida, as her true hometown.

Betty was a former Miss Minute Maid, representing the company that she loved and where she met the love of her life, Harry Jukes, both of whom were working in Orlando. Moving to Houston in 1967, Betty was a devoted homemaker, who loved her community, culture, and arts. Betty’s extensive volunteer work led her and Harry to experience many unbelievable life adventures and make amazing friends. As the ultimate event planner with an iron will and an anything-can-be accomplished attitude, her event leadership style earned her nickname of “The General.”    

Betty founded the Houston Junior Women’s Club (President) and later served as President of The Women’s Club of Houston. Because of her drive and commitment, she was drawn to serve with a variety of organizations including March of Dimes, IIE, Theater Under the Stars, Houston School for the Deaf, Houston Youth Symphony & Ballet, Clean Houston Partners, World Wildlife Fund, the Annual Houston Mayor’s Luncheon, Charles A. Lindbergh Fund, Mercury Seven Foundation, The Virtuosi of Houston, the Olshan Music Festival, Friends of the Moore’s School of Music @ the University of Houston, and more. 

After moving to Georgetown in 2001 she stayed active. Friends will remember singing around the piano at her “Organized to the 9’s” Christmas celebrations, all while continuing her philanthropy with the Georgetown Symphony Orchestra, among other organizations.  

Betty has been described as “Bigger than Life” and “Mother to one, but Mom to many.” She was an amazing woman who earned the appreciation of many organizations, and the love and respect of countless individuals.  She loved her husband, her son, and her “adopted children” from almost every corner of life including sports teams, IIE, nephews and nieces, as well as Company A-1 from Texas A&M’s Corps of Cadets. Betty loved traveling, bowling, cards, and a good martini. 

She is preceded in death by her adopted parents, Clifford and Dorothy Saunders of Orlando. She is survived by Harry T. Jukes, her husband of what would be 60 years of marriage in 2023; son, Harry S. Jukes and his wife Lisa M. Jukes, M.D.; her “favorite granddaughter” Margaret “Maggie” Jukes; “favorite grandson” Gareth Jukes, and numerous nieces, nephews, and friends. 

A small celebration of life will be held at a future date for the family and close friends. The family would like to express our thanks for the wonderful care given by the staff at Brookdale Lakeway and St. David’s Hospice Care.  

In lieu of customary remembrances, memorial contributions honoring Betty’s memory may be directed to the Crohn’s & Colitis Foundation or the Moore’s School of Music.

Fond memories, words of comfort, and condolences may be shared electronically with her family through the Legacy.com website.