BJ Durr, 96, passed away on Wednesday, April 23, 2025, at her home in Wheatland, Wyoming with her family by her side.

BJ was born Betty Jean Kennedy (she hated her name, and would only answer to BJ) to John and Ottie Kennedy in Denver, Colorado on April 1, 1929. Yes, it's true, she was a daughter of a fool.

BJ grew up in Douglas, Wyoming.  She received her Registered Nursing degree in 1951.

She had her first daughter, Missie, in 1951. In 1952 she married and gave birth to three more girls, Terry, Jennifer, and Claudia. They lived in Minnesota on a farm. She got divorced in 1962. In 1965, while visiting her folks in Cheyenne, Wyoming, she met Jim Durr. It must have been love at first sight because he followed her all the way home to Minnesota. BJ and Jim were married in 1967. In 1970 Jim got transferred to Wheatland, Wyoming where they continued to live out their lives. 

BJ spent a lot of years nursing. She was a school nurse in Minnesota and then again in Wheatland. Her daughters got every possible vaccination there was. She retired around 1980 and began to follow her true passion, art.  She also sold Avon for several years. She became an accomplished artist and received numerous awards. BJ was a lifetime member of the Platte County Art Guild. She was active in the Episcopal Church where she played the organ for many years. She was also dedicated to the Wheatland Food Bank. She really loved going on drives to the mountains. It was one of her favorite pastimes, next to painting.

BJ was proceeded in death by her parents, John and Ottie Kennedy; nephew, Robert Spurlock; daughter, Terri Swanson; and sister, Mary Jo Shaw. 

She is survived by three daughters, Missie, Jennifer, and Claudia; four nephews, AJ, Joel, John, and TJ; eleven grandchildren; nineteen great grandchildren; and three great-great grandchildren. 

She led a full and happy life and we all need to celebrate that life.

Graveside services will be held at a later date.

On Sunday, May 18, 2025 we will be celebrating her life with a church service starting at 9:30 A.M. at the Episcopal Church in Wheatland, with a reception following, where we hope to hear more humorous stories about her and her life.

Donations in BJ’s name can be made to the Platte County Art Guild or the Food Bank.

We love you Mom

Gorman Funeral Homes - Platte Chapel of Wheatland, Wyoming is in charge of the arrangements.

Condolences can be left for the family at www.gormanfh.com