Betty Delephine Jackson
Born December 28, 1934 – Entered into rest October 26, 2022

Betty was the devoted and loving wife to Paul Jackson for 53 years. Together they had four children, Pliny “Jack” Jackson (Amanda), Paula Lynn Abarr, Bonnie Hunsucker, and Patrick Jackson; 14 grandchildren and 26 great-grandchildren. When Betty married Paul, she gained six sisters, many nieces and nephews and became “Auntie Betty” to many generations.

Together, Betty and Paul built Jackson Trucking, and employed many people in the Hoopa Community. Their business also provided training to many young truck drivers and mechanics. During their trucking years, Jackson Trucking was also part of the Weaverville and Trinity Center communities. Working in Trinity Center gave Betty and Paul many good times on the lake, and allowed Betty to find a stash of maiden hair fern for her mother’s basket materials. Betty was involved in many community projects throughout the area. She was part of the group that revived the plans of preceding elders to see that Sumeg Village was completed into existence. In addition to all the planning that took place, Betty and Paul committed their time and trucks to haul in the wood that makes up the buildings at the village.

Betty was a member of the Hoopa Chamber of Commerce, who helped raise funds to put in the KEET translator so generations of children could grow up watching Sesame Street and Mr. Rogers. Betty was part of the High School Booster Club that raised funds to place lights at the Hoopa High football field. These are just a few of the many projects our mother was involved with. Betty’s middle initial D wasn’t just for Delephine, it was also for determination. If Betty got it in her mind, she didn’t stop until it was done, usually with Paul right beside her.

Although her grandmother was a full-blooded Hupa, Betty was an enrolled member of the Yurok Tribe. Betty worked many years with the Tribe as a cultural advisor and knowledgeable elder. Betty was proud to work alongside so many others in the Yurok Tribe and enjoyed the many hours she spent with the Cultural Committee. Many of you spend time with her, finding out who was in your family tree and the stories that she could share from her childhood.

Among the many things Betty represented, she was Granny and Auntie. We are sure that everyone has a story about her wit and spunky sense of humor. Even as little girl, she had that ‘extra’ and twinkle in her eyes.

Betty received loving care and attention from many people over the years, and her family is especially thankful to those who came whenever called. The family is very thankful for her close friend Wilma Roberts. Betty and Wilma shared many adventures and you never knew where they might wander.

Thank you to her great-nephews Hoopa Tribal Police Officers James McCovey, Sr. and Russell Hurley, and the K’ima:w Ambulance Crew who would always lend a hand to “Auntie Betty,” and were her “visitors” at any hour of the day. In her latest years, Betty was cared for by her children and grandchildren; with her grandson Robert ‘Bobby” Hunsucker as her daily caregiver. The family would like to express appreciation to the Yurok Tribe; especially Emily, Ryan, Elizabeth and Jeanette, who are so caring and respectful, the Medical Team at Resolution Care; Dr. Autumn Eglitis, NP- Zachary Wagner, Kate Erwin RN, and Community Outreach; Kimberly McDowell-Henri, RN. You all made sure Betty was comfortable and able to be at home, surrounding by family and friends.

Betty is survived by her four sisters, two brother’s in-law; her four children, fourteen grandchildren, twenty-six great grandchildren, numerous nieces, nephews, and cousins. Betty was preceded in death by her husband Paul, father John Safford, mother Violet Moore (Haynes), sister Carol Dela Rosa, brother Arnold Moore, cousin Lois Kerwin, close friend/sister-in-law Letitia “Lovey” Guyer, and sons-in-law Daniel Abarr, and Robert Hunsucker, Sr.

Pallbearers will be her grandsons and great-grandsons. Honorary Bearers will be Robert McConnell, Sr., Skip Lowry, Johnny Ray Dela Rosa, Donald Winter, Marion “Inker” McCovey Sr., Michael Orcutt, Kevin Orcutt, Thomas O’Rourke, Tiger O’Rourke, Tyke Robbins and Ryan Fleisher.

Betty was blessed to have so many friends and family, who were loved and cherished. We are sorry we have not mentioned each of you by name, but know that you are loved and appreciated. Please remember the time you spent with her, stories you shared and memories you made.

Betty will be laid to rest with her husband Paul at the Jackson family cemetery in Hoopa in a private service. A Celebration of Life will be held at the Libby Nix Yurok Tribal office in Weitchpec on Sunday, November 6 from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. Arrangements were made in conjunction with Ayres Family Cremation, and Arcata Country Living Florist & Fine Gifts, and Sun Valley Floral Farms.

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The obituary above was submitted on behalf of Betty Jackson’s loved ones. The Lost Coast Outpost runs obituaries of Humboldt County residents at no charge. See guidelines here. Email news@lostcoastoutpost.com.