Betty Jo “B.J.” Windley Thompson, age 91, of St. Augustine, Florida, passed away on March 10, 2018, at her residence.

Betty Jo was born and grew up in Aurora. She lived much of her adult life in Durham and St. Michaels, Maryland, before retiring with her late husband, Melvin “Mike” Thompson, to Marco Island, Florida. After her husband’s death in 1989, Betty Jo moved to Deland, Florida. She had been a resident of St. Augustine, Florida, for the past 10 years.

Betty Jo loved dogs and was an accomplished breeder, specializing in Labrador retrievers. She was highly knowledgeable about the breed and many of her Labs were champions in show competitions. Because of her knowledge, BJ also became a judge in competitive dog shows. Not having any children of her own, BJ considered her dogs as her children. She enjoyed the company of her latest Labs, Joy, Joey and Ben, as well as the other wildlife that frequented the pond in her backyard. Betty Jo was Episcopalian and was a member of Trinity Episcopal Church in St. Augustine.

She is survived by nephews Daniel M. (Laura) Windley IV, of Lakeland, Florida, William J. (Pam) Windley, of North Augusta, South Carolina, John W. (Becky) Windley ,of Mobile, Alabama, Rob Thompson (Elizabeth) Crew of Raleigh; nieces, Mary Lou Windley (Wil) Johnson of Huntsville, Alabama, Peggy Windley (Craig) May of Grimesland, Carroll Crew Scarborough of Half Moon Bay, California, and Dottie Crew (Jeff) Bennett of Fuquay-Varina; and goddaughter Linda Catherine (Kirk) Dickie of New Bern. The family would also like to thank the caregivers from Comfort Companion Services and Hospice care employees for their excellent care of BJ during her illness.

A memorial service will be held at 2 p.m. on Tuesday, March 27, 2018, with Father David Weidner officiating. Donations in Betty Jo’s memory can be made to any chapter of the Alzheimer’s Association.

St. Johns Family Funeral Home, 385 State Road 207, St. Augustine, Florida 32084 (904-824-1625) is in charge of arrangements. www.stjohnsfamilyfuneralhome.com.