Betty Jane Cramer Clark passed peacefully with comfort and love surrounding her on Sunday, January 4, 2015 at the age of 89. She gracefully joined her deceased and beloved husband of 55 years, James Edward Clark. Always a smile on her face, and a music note in her heart, she will be missed by a lifetime of memories and loyal friendships. She was born in Omaha, Nebraska to Dr. W.R. Cramer and Ina Cramer. Her early childhood was spent in Kansas City, Missouri until her family moved to Memphis, Tennessee around the mid 1930’s. She attended Bellevue Junior High and graduated from Central High School. Memphis became a significant background to Betty Jane’s life, as her father served as the President of the Southern College of Optometry for many years. Her cherished mother, Ina Cramer, was a member of the Board of Directors for the Southern College of Optometry serving as Secretary and Treasurer for many years. Drake University in Des Moines, Iowa, is where Betty Jane graduated with a Bachelor’s Degree in Music. Music, dancing and a life filled with laughter and strength of strong character, led her into the spotlight. Betty Jane Cramer hosted her own very prestigious radio show during her time in Iowa, broadcasting all across the nation on the NBC affiliate station, WHO Des Moines, Iowa. At the time, this station was on the level of prestige as broadcasts from New York City, and people would tune in to hear the songbird entertaining thousands weekly. In 1951, Betty Jane married the love of her life, James Edward Clark of Memphis. Betty Jane sang in the choirs of churches throughout Memphis, especially as a member of Lindenwood Christian Church. She also served as a highly regarded Secretary in research for the University of Tennessee Medical School for nine years. A humor towards life and her deep commitment to the Lord, created a beautiful kindness, loyalty and courage to live life to the fullest. If you start to imagine someone truly special, close your eyes and hear the voice of Betty Jane Clark singing the lyrics to “Blue Champagne”, as she opened her radio show. Glenn Miller and the Jimmy Dorsey orchestras made the song famous in 1940. As her velvet voice sings about the bubbles rising, she too has now risen to a place where her songs are heard once again. Private arrangements have been made and any contributions in her name would be made to the charity of your choice. (Published in The Commercial Appeal on Jan. 11, 2015)