Mrs. Betty Jean O'Kelley McCloud

Betty Jean "O'Kelley" McCloud was born on January 25,1939, at Grady Hospital in Atlanta, Georgia. She is the daughter of Willie James and Christine "Davison" O'Kelley, and comes from the family line of Howard Johnson and Gussie "Bowens" O'Kelley and Howard C. and Leila "Ridgeway" Davison, respectively. Betty Jean married Samuel Hill Jr. in the early 1950's. That union was blessed with seven children. She was later united in holy matrimony with Warren McCloud on July 3, 1985, and they remained married until her death. . Betty Jean completed her 12 years of education, concluding with John Hay High School in Cleveland, Ohio. She furthered her education by earning her broadcasting license from IBA Broadcasting School in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. During her lifetime she was employed by Oster Company, Eagle Knitting, Briggs and Stratton, Masterson Company, Milwaukee Public Schools as a cook at Riverside, American Family Insurance, and Milwaukee Public Library. She was promoted to Union President during her tenure with Masterson Company. In her leisure, she showed up as a humanitarian through a wide array of interests, which she thoroughly enjoyed. She lived life to the fullest whether it was picking up the trash in her neighborhood, working with charities, chatting with visitors at the library, or being with her church family exercising her faithful service. Betty Jean was a local legend as the first female DJ in Milwaukee. She was known for her personality and charisma, and her love of music made her an in-demand radio personality. Her stage name was Lady BJ at popular clubs around town (Upstairs Downstairs, Torans, Mr. Jays Taps, Scruples, Rumpus Room, and Geno's). She also had a short stint with WNOV. Her legacy of creating the Saturday event called the Casual Affair will be continued through DJ Sandra Silk (radio announcer) with Lady BJ's blessing. She held a cherished and life-long membership with the CAYA (Come as You Are) Book Club. This group has a strong culture of loving and living life. They were Betty's "Divine Nine" eternal friends. Betty Jean accepted Jesus Christ as her Savior at a youthful age in Georgia. She renewed her commitment to the Lord at Northside Church of God in Milwaukee, WI, where she served for over 15 years on the usher board, choir, food and clothing pantry, and audio/visual team. She was honored' as one of the inaugural "Legends" of Northside Church of God at the age of 80. Betty Jean "0' Kelle/' McCloud passed peacefully from this life on Sunday, July 6, 2025, surrounded by the love of her family. She was preceded in death by her: father, Willie James O'Kelley; mother, Christine Davison O'Kelley; sister, LaRuth Scott; brother, Guy King; former husband, Samuel Hill; and daughter, Christella Hill. She leaves behind a loving and devoted family, including her: husband, Warren McCloud; daughters, Jacqueline Hill, Sherry Yusuf (Dr. Bayo), Leslie Hill, and Deborah Hill; sons, Keenan Hill and James Parris Hill; nieces, Shawntelle Shropshire (Anthony) and Deleasa Hickembottom; grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and a host of extended family, friends, and a loving church community.

Mrs. Betty Jean O'Kelley McCloud

January 25, 1939 - July 6, 2025