Elizabeth Ann Shorten
December 24th, 2020
Janurary 1927 – December 2020
Elizabeth (Betty) Ann Shorten, 93, was born in Wisconsin, USA, on January 27, 1927 to Harold Edwin and Elsie Louise (Mullen) Beatty. She spent her early childhood in Japan and then took her education in New York State achieving a Masters in Education. After teaching in Niagara Falls, Betty followed the call of God and went to serve the Lord in Angola, Africa at Chilonda Mission.
At Chilonda, Betty taught school and helped in women’s ministry. Even after many missionaries had to leave because of political unrest, Betty courageously remained as the only missionary at Chilonda which earned her great respect from the Angolans in Bie district. There were no doubt, difficult and lonely times for her.
In 1975, she was reacquainted with Charlie Shorten who had returned to Angola to visit and encourage the local churches. Betty married Charlie in 1976 and they served the Lord together for 40 years in Angola and London, Ontario. Betty was especially gifted in translation work.
She is lovingly remembered by her brother James (Lorraine); sister-in-law, Ruth; and many nieces and nephews. She is also mourned by her step sons, David (Kathleen) and Robert (Beverly); nine grandchildren and twelve great grandchildren. Betty was preceded in death by her husband Charles, parents, brother Phillip Beatty, and her sister Katherine Beatty.
Betty went to be with her Lord on Thursday, December 24, 2020, in Red Deer, Alberta.
Memorials may be made to Missionary Service Committee, Canada https://www.msccanada.org/how-to-give-online/. or Christian Missions in Many Lands, USA https://www.cmml.us/donate.
Messages:
Betty was one of God's wonderful gifts to me and to numerous other people. She was kind and loving, whose love for Lord and sense of humor made her great company. She was both a great sister-in-law and a wonderful sister in the Lord. Our children always enjoyed the few occasions she and Charlie were able to visit us in Texas. Her brother Phil had a special place in his heart for her since she lead him to the Lord. Many others were also blessed by her faithful consistent life. It is wonderful to know that she is now experiencing fullness of joy in the presence of her Lord as she is reunited with Charlie, her parents, Phil, Katherine and many friends.
Aunt Betty (we called all the missionaries "Uncle" and "Aunt" in Angola) came to live with us at Chitau to teach my sister, Janet, when she had graduated from Sakeji School in Zambia. What had been the guest house very quickly became Aunt Betty's house, and we loved spending what time we could enjoying Aunt Betty's quick wit and wisdom. In 1975, when my family and I joined Charlie and Bob Shorten for a summer's visit to Angola, it seems we spent quite a lot of time at Chilonda. Aunt Betty always made sure we had freshly-squeezed tangerine juice to wake us up in the morning -- coffee doesn't hold a candle to that! Aunt Betty always had a special way of connecting with the Angolan ladies and girls -- we've got pictures and 8mm movies of her domestic school girls showing off their handiwork. It's sad to see another of the heroes of the faith leaving us behind, but no one would begrudge Aunt Betty's happiness in hearing "Well done, good and faithful servant. Enter into the joy of your LORD."
Thinking of you all, and remembering the lovely visits and chats we had with Uncle Charlie and Aunt Betty.I remember her ready smile and hear her laugh! What a joyful reunion to be with the Lord with no more sorrow or pain! Miriam and Wes Jackshaw