Betty Jean "BJ" Rickards, age 85, of Ocean View, DE passed away peacefully surrounded by her loving family on Monday, October 7, 2024 in the comfort of her own home.

Betty Jean was born in Ocean View, DE on September 21, 1939 daughter of the late James Russell Megee and the late Pearl Irene (Mitchell) Megee.  She was a graduate of Lord Baltimore High School Class of 1957 where she excelled in playing basketball.  After high school, she attended and graduated from Goldey-Beacom College.

BJ worked as an administrative secretary at Lord Baltimore Elementary School and at the Indian River School District Central Office retiring in 1991.  Shortly thereafter, Betty Jean worked as an administrative assistant at Hickman Real Estate retiring in 2001.

Betty Jean loved working with numbers, making notes, buying new cars, eating out and playing Bingo at Tuckahoe Acres.  She was a sports fan and enjoyed watching baseball, football and basketball but above all else, she loved watching her grandchildren play those sports that she loved.

In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her loving husband, Raymond "Rick" J. Rickards, Jr.; two brothers, James Earl "Jack" Megee and Clayton Megee and a sister, Dee Burbage.  She is survived by her daughter, Pamela Browne, (Mark); two grandchildren, Van Browne, (Lisa) and Shawn Mize and six grandchildren, Adison, Abott, Ashton and Ayven Browne and Sydney and Luke Mize.  Betty Jean is also survived by a brother, Douglas L. Megee; a sister, Mary Jane Megee; two nephews, Gregory Burbage and Douglas Megee, Jr. and three nieces, Jackie Wade, Dawn Fields Turner and Pamela Fields Price.

A graveside service will be held at 2 PM on Thursday, October 17, 2024 at the Ocean View Presbyterian Church Cemetery, 67 Central Ave., Ocean View, DE 19970.

In lieu of flowers, the family suggests memorial contributions in Betty Jean's name to Delaware Hospice, 100 Patriots Way, Milford, DE 19963 or Millville Volunteer Fire Company, 35554 Atlantic Ave., Millville, DE 19967.