I miss you, BJ. Thanks for being such a great sister!

Becky Sloan
August 19, 2018

What a great mentor and role model for so many. Rest in peace BJ!

Bev Smith
August 19, 2018

My thoughts and prayers go out to the Furgerson family, one of Iowa's pioneer black families. What a legacy. May Ms. Furgerson rest in peace. Roxanne Evans (former Iowan) Austin, Texas

Roxanne Evans
August 20, 2018

To all the family of BJ, my heartfelt sympathy. Thank you for sharing her with the State of Iowa. I had the opportunity to work with her in several of her roles, including that of her service on the Governor's Commission on Educational Excellence in the late 1990's. Her passion, advocacy, and thoughtful leadership will be remembered by many. I hope you will find comfort in knowing how many of us will celebrate her life as she touched hundreds of lives and will touch generations to come given her many contributions to serving others. I was lucky enough to have enjoyed the pleasure of her company and her guidance and for that I will always be grateful.

Jodie Butler
August 20, 2018

To Sarah Harris and the Furgerson Family........we were deeply saddened to read of your loss of such a loved one. We extend our sincere condolences and prayers to the Furgerson and Harris families.......

Bill and Judy Carmichael
August 20, 2018

I knew you about 60 years ago in Waterloo. You left a most endearing foot print in my heart. I am saddened and my most sincere condolences to your family. May the many memories of you lighten their heart and bring smiles to their faces.

Gloria Leventhal
August 20, 2018

Becky - Thinking of you at this very difficult time ... you have my heartfelt sympathy. Mary

Mary Prenosil
August 20, 2018

BJ left a big void here when she moved to Cedar Rapids. I met BJ in 1976, I believe, when a much loved friend of both of us said "what, you don' know BJ Furgerson?!! You must meet her right away!" I learned much from BJ. She was smart, wise and thoughtful. BJ taught me about being black in Iowa and I have never ending respect for her and the Furgerson family. BJ loved her brother and sisters and she adored her many nieces and nephews. She was so very proud of them. And she loved jazz and was a friend of many of its famous musicians. BJ served as president of Cedar Arts Forum for several years and she enjoyed the young artists who brought their craft to Iowa and they admired and respected her. I miss you BJ, Renata

Renata Sack
August 20, 2018

My condolences to the family of Betty Furgerson and you are in my prayers. I am certain that it is women like Betty Furgerson that paved the way for me. Blessed be the name of God Almighty - Adonai, for creating His mighty women Betty Furgerson and for His pleasure was she made.

Vapordeal Sanders, Ph.D
August 20, 2018

56 years ago following my freshman year at UNI, I took a summer job at a Girls Scout Camp in Waverly. BJ worked in the health lodge and was determined that I should learn to dance the "Black Bottom." I will never forget the experience or my introduction to jazz - to this day I still primarily listen to 88.3. I learned a lot that summer, not only from BJ but the other Girl Scout leaders - which I have lost all contact with. I saw BJ one other time in the late 80s, she presented my youngest son his law diploma in Iowa City. After the ceremony I tried to catch her - but she had left before I could get through the crowded auditorium. BJ influenced me, not just the black bottom, or my later love of jazz, but her incredible exuberance and love for life.

John C Thomas
August 20, 2018

My brother and I have known BJ all our lives, through our parents, my dad being a jazz drummer. I have special memories or playing in her house, with the double staircase. The last time I saw her was at a show at the Gallagher a few years ago. Sending peace to her family and thanks to her being such a inspiring woman. Brett

Brett (Plumber) Morris
August 20, 2018

As my sister mentioned, we have been honored to know BJ since we were young children... i can even remember her mother, even though i was certainly only 5 years old, if that. Listening to jazz at her feet, when she visited our house. Rest in peace, BJ <3

Kelly Plumber
August 20, 2018

Sorry to learn of the death of your sister, Becky. She strongly imprinted the fabric of our community and state. I pray you are well. Blessings. Charlene Montgomery

Charlene Montgomery
August 20, 2018

Sorry to learn of the death of your sister, Becky. She strongly imprinted the fabric of our community and state. I pray you are well. Blessings. Charlene Montgomery

Charlene Montgomery
August 20, 2018

My sincere condolences to the family of BJ Furgerson.

Carolyn Stevenson
August 21, 2018

My condolences to BJ's family. I so enjoyed being with BJ at the University Hospitals and Clinics Friends meetings in Iowa City. I will always remember her bright smile and special words on many situations & causes. She will always be a mentor.

Debbie Gitchell
August 21, 2018

To the family of BJ Furgeson... BJ's love and loyalty for her family was immeasurable. She loved and adored her parents and supported her siblings graciously. She loved and cherished each and every one of her nieces and nephews. BJ valued education and she was an advocate for equal rights and justice for all. She will be dearly missed by her family and friends. I especially will miss my yearly birthday call to her. To the family of BJ Furgeson, peace be with you. Sincerely, with love... Patricia Reed

Patricia Reed
August 21, 2018

Furgerson Family, I cant imagine your sadness right now. Thank you so much for sharing BJ with so many of us. I can’t begin to tell you how I loved spending time with BJ, whether it was in D.C. visiting our delegation’s offices, watching her run Board Meetings at IPTV, helping us get through some tumultuous times, learning about every single one of you in her family, or just soaking up everything that was great about her. She was a force of nature and I am so happy I got to know her for so many years. I got to visit with her at Dan’s memorial service in April. I can imagine those two are having great fun together, already!! My life is definitely better because of knowing BJ. I will miss her!

Molly Phillips
August 27, 2018

Sarah and all family, I only met your Aunt BJ a few times but it was obvious how important she was to you. From reading the obituary and condolences, I see how truly remarkable she was and that she will be missed in many spheres. My condolences to you all (and from my siblings also), Ginny Blair

Ginny Blair
September 29, 2018

Thinking of the family of Bj today as you celebrate her life and remember the impact made on so many lives. A sister to every Girl Scout, Bj had a heart for children. I am grateful for all she did to further the lives of girls through Girl Scouts in the Waterloo area. A blessing to many, a life lived well.

Allison Johnson
November 24, 2018