Betty Jane "BJ" Hanlon

Betty Jane “BJ” Hanlon (Cress), 83, of Ocala, Florida, passed away peacefully on August 31, 2026, in Ocala. BJ was born in Burlington, New Jersey, on August 17, 1943, to Frances Elizabeth and Richard Cress. She graduated from Burlington High School in 1961 and, after raising her two girls, went on to pursue her calling in nursing, first earning her LPN and later her RN from Santa Fe Community College. BJ spent most of her nursing career caring for newborns and children in the nursery and pediatrics. She loved children deeply and was devoted to her patients and to the nursing profession. Caring for others was not simply her career—it was an expression of who she was. BJ is survived by her daughters, Sue Hanlon (Kevin Garriott) of Tampa, Florida, and Sandi (Hanlon) Knight of Houston, Texas; her grandchildren, Lauren Knight of Brooklyn, New York, and Ryan Knight (Vy) of Houston, Texas; her sister, Carol Annis; her brother, Rich Cress (Robin); and her nieces and nephews, Rob Flynn (LeighAnn), Chris Flynn (Marina), Scott Tice (Amanda), Jeff Tice, Ralph Mathis, Diane Prescott (John), Linda Mathis, Melissa Cress, and Kimberly Cress. She was preceded in death by her beloved husband of 63 years, Rodger Earl Hanlon; her parents; and her sister, Dottie Mathis. Those who knew BJ knew her infectious laugh. It was not unusual to find yourself laughing hysterically alongside her, sometimes with no idea what you were even laughing about. Her laughter was one of the many gifts she gave to the people around her. She was also always ready to go anywhere for any adventure (including to an indoor skydiving simulator in her late 70s!). Rodger and BJ traveled to Alaska on a cruise for her cousin's wedding anniversary, to Key West and Cuba with extended family for her 75th birthday, on a riverboat cruise in the PNW with their daughter Sue, and to Hawaii a couple of times. On this side of heaven, her greatest love and proudest accomplishment were her grandchildren, Lauren and Ryan. From the moment they came into the world, they were greeted by their Grandma BJ and her famous introduction: “I’m Grandma BJ Toys R Us!” The memories she created with them as children will live on forever and serve as a reminder of just how fortunate they were to have a “Grams” who loved them unconditionally. Everyone who walked through the Hanlon front door was welcomed, fed well, and immediately made to feel like family. BJ loved being a grandma, a mom, a wife, a nurse, a sister, and a friend. She enjoyed Twine (wine mixed with tea), shopping (the FedEx man knew something was wrong when the packages stopped arriving), being active in her church, skiing in her younger days, gardening, cuddling with her cats, and swimming in her pool. BJ’s life was defined by love, laughter, generosity, and an open door. She had a way of making people feel that they belonged, and her impact will continue through her children and grandchildren and through the many lives she touched. The family would like to extend their heartfelt thanks to the many family members, friends who became family, and neighbors who stepped forward to offer love, support, and help as BJ navigated nine years of cancer and treatment. As her daughters, we are forever grateful for each of you. BJ will live on in her children and grandchildren, and in the hearts and lives of all who passed through her front door. We know our dad was so happy to see her, and that BJ was, as always, fashionably late for her arrival in heaven. A Celebration of Life will be held at the end of October. Details will be shared with family and friends. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to Meadowbrook Church in Ocala, Florida; the Florida Cancer Specialists Foundation; or Quality of Life Rehab & Foster, Inc.

Betty Jane "BJ" Hanlon

August 17, 1943 - August 31, 2026