Betty Jo Tibbs' Obituary
Betty Jo Tibbs was born in Dallas, Texas to Helen Thompson and David Lewis on July 22,1935.
Her formal education was spent at J. W. Ray Elementary School, B. F. Darrell Elementary School and Booker T. Washington High School in Dallas, Texas. At an early age she was introduced to Christ by her maternal grandmother, Iona Petty Thompson. During her junior year Betty moved along with her family to Fresno, California, and eventually settled in Merced, with her sister, Helen and family. While living in Merced, she attended Merced High School.
During President’s Day Weekend 1956, Betty met a young airman from Culpeper, Virginia who would become the love of her life…Maurice Tibbs. Seventy-five days after meeting they were married at the chapel on Castle Air Force Base, and together they raised three children and built a union that lasted 53 years.
Maurice’s military career provided them the opportunity to travel the world. Their adventures, to name a few, included Japan, Germany, Washington, D.C. Paris, Luxembourg, Belgium, Berlin, Illinois, Florida, and Canada.
While the family was stationed in Illinois, Betty was finally able to fulfill her lifelong dream of becoming a nurse.
Once Maurice retired from serving 30 years in the United States Air Force, the family returned to the California Central Valley, and Betty continued to thrive in her chosen profession. For over twenty-five years, she worked as an LVN in Merced County, and for a brief time, Stanislaus County. Betty’s compassion and strong desire to care for others was the foundation for a life spent in nursing.
Upon retirement, Betty continued her devotion to caregiving by volunteering with hospice, the American Red Cross, and Dignity Health. Her kind heart and empathy touched countless lives in her community.
In addition to traveling, Betty loved watching sports, crocheting, word puzzles, and providing advice and/ or guidance to those who were in need.
To cherish Betty Jo’s memory are her children, Michael Dwayne Tibbs (Orting, Washington), Beverly Ann Castleberry (Bowie, Maryland), Michelle Marie Tibbs (Fremont, California), her sister, Helen Ray Wilson (Rancho Cordova, California) one grandchild, Michael DeVonne Castleberry (Baton Rouge, Louisiana) and two great-grandchildren, DeVonne and Jazmyne (Cle Elum, Washington). In addition, she leaves a host of nieces, nephews, godchildren, and friends.
Betty Jo’s greatest pride was her family, but her greatest joy was JESUS!!!!! She embodied Matthew 22:37, “You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart and all your soul and with all your mind.” Betty Jo’s devotion to the Lord was the cornerstone of her life.
Her sweet spirit will be missed. A legacy of faith and compassion lives on through her family, and all that knew Betty Jo Tibbs.
What’s your fondest memory of Betty?
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Share a story where Betty's kindness touched your heart.
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