Wilma Irene Bettis' Obituary
Celebrating the life of Wilma Irene (Gipson) Bettis Her smile and eyes said it all. Wilma came into this world on November 8th, 1932. She joined her husband of 53 years, Eugene H. Bettis in eternal rest on November 1, 2017. Wilma was the youngest of 4 girls. She was preceded in death by her parents John and Ella (Sutton) Gipson and her 3 sisters Pearl, Mamie, and Cora. She grew up in Sitka and in Williford Arkansas. Wilma attended the Bettis Town Schoolhouse until the 7th grade. At the age of 16, she married Eugene H. Bettis on November 8th at Pleasant Ridge Church in Sharp Co. Arkansas. They built a life together that included love, laughter and the greatest gift, their son David. Together they moved to Kansas City, KS. in the early 50’s where Wilma worked at Nevil’s Suitcase and Blinds Company. Wilma was the first woman in that company to work on the line installing the suitcase lining, which was a position only held by men at that point in time. In 1957, they moved to California where they resided in Oakland. Then in 1968 they moved to San Leandro where she lived the rest of her life. Over the early years in Oakland Wilma worked at Mother’s Cookies and Sunshine Biscuits. In 1960 she was hired by Kellogg Cereal Company where she worked for the next 32 years. She retired in 1992 at the age of 60. Wilma loved to listen to music, Elvis was her favorite. She was even lucky enough to see him at a show in Oakland! Making friends was an easy thing for Wilma, she enjoyed spending time with them at the Senior Center. Having a career kept her busy and she also enjoyed being a homemaker and spending time with her family. Gardening brought her much joy. Easter egg hunts with her Grandchildren made her as happy as seeing them open their gifts on Christmas. She had a beautiful smile and her blue eyes smiled as well. Wilma was a driven woman who was every bit a Scorpio but loved with all of her heart. She is survived by her Son David, Grandsons Jonathon (Maria and her children VJ and RJ), Joshua (Amber and her daughter Serenity), Daniel and Great Grandson Judah. There are also many Nieces and Nephews their children and families, many friends, neighbors and coworkers. She loved and cherished all of you and hoped you’d remember her with love and fondness. Visitation will be on Tuesday Nov. 7, 2017 from 5pm – 9pm and Funeral Services will be Wednesday Nov 8, 2017 at 10:00am in the Reflections Chapel followed by burial in Sunrise Garden at Chapel of the Chimes 32992 Mission Blvd. Hayward, Ca. 94544.
What’s your fondest memory of Wilma?
What’s a lesson you learned from Wilma?
Share a story where Wilma's kindness touched your heart.
Describe a day with Wilma you’ll never forget.
How did Wilma make you smile?