Elizabeth (Betty) Jeanette Baniassadi, 91, of Savoy passed away at 10:32 a.m. on Tuesday, January 9, 2018 at Heartland Healthcare Manor in Champaign.

She was born in Chicago on September 4, 1926, the only child of Charles Raymond Cowburn and Matilda "Lilly" Thomsen Cowburn. She was raised in the 82nd street neighborhood in Chicago.

Besides her parents, she was preceded in death by her first husband, James Donald Harrison and her only son Richard Harrison. On June 5, 1971 she married Nasrollah "Nassi" Baniassai of Savoy. Besides her husband, she is survived by her daughter-in-law, Esther Harrison of Chicago.

Betty graduated from Calumet High School in 1944 and attended the School of Music in Chicago. In addition to working at Swift and Co., she gave private voice lessons in her home.

She came to the Urbana campus in 1970 to pursue a master's degree in the School of Music. She enjoyed singing and attending concerts at Krannert Center. Betty worked for the University of Illinois as a secretary in the ACES library, retiring in 2004 after 34 years of service.

Betty had a most giving heart, supporting many Christian and military organizations during her lifetime; she was a faithful member of Hessel Park Christian Reformed Church.

Christian funeral services will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Saturday, January 13, 2018 at the Hessel Park Christian Reformed Church, 700 W. Kirby in Champaign. Pastor Tim Bossenbroek will officiate. A visitation will be held prior to the service from 10:30-11:00 a.m., at the church. Burial will take place at 3:30 p.m. on Tuesday, January 16, 2018 at Chapel Hill Gardens South in Oak Lawn, IL.

Memorial Contributions may be made to Hessel Park Christian Reformed Church.