Betty Jean (Emerson) Wilcox, 86, passed away peacefully surrounded by her family on May 4, 2014, of Alzheimer’s disease. She was born May 7, 1927.

She was preceded in death by parents John and Ruth Gavle Emerson; husband Mark Dey; sister Ruth Emerson Sirr. Survived by daughters Carole and Kathleen (Kevin); sons Elliot (Hui), Malcolm (Alison), Jonathan (Kelly Jo) and Mark (Keyondria); 16 grandchildren and four great grandchildren; brothers Johnny (LaVaune), Robert (Marlyus), Norman (Marlys); nieces, nephews, loving relatives and friends.

Betty was an artist, painter, sculptor, potter, teacher, poet, vocalist and a fierce advocate for arts education. Her loving, humorous good nature and her unconditional love for all will be greatly missed. A memorial service will be at White Bear Unitarian Universalist Church, 328 Maple St., Mahtomedi, at 10 a.m. Thursday. Burial will be at Mansfield Township Cemetery at 3 p.m. Thursday. Memorials are preferred to Northern Clay Center (outreach program).

Sandberg Family Funeral Home of North St. Paul is handling the arrangements.