Betty Jo Douglas, 91

A memorial service for Betty Jo Douglas, 91, will be held at 1 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 8, 2025, at the family home in Tecumseh. She died Oct. 14, at Ozarks Health Care in West Plains, surrounded by the love of her family.

She was born Dec. 29, 1933, in Antlers, Oklahoma, where she was also raised. Betty left home at the age of 18 to proudly serve her country as a United States Marine. It was during her time in the service that she met the love of her life, Jack Harold Douglas. The two were married on Oct. 9, 1953, beginning a partnership that would span an extraordinary 72 years of devotion, laughter and unwavering love.

After her service in the Marines, Betty dedicated her life to her family and home. She was a gifted musician and served as a choir director in Havelock, North Carolina, sharing her joy of music and faith with others.

Betty’s creativity and care shone brightest in her quilting. Known for her award-winning hand-stitched quilts, she shared her artistry generously, teaching family and friends to quilt by hand in the special quilting building her husband built just for her. She also found peace and purpose in canning—her shelves lined with the fruits of her labor—and treasured time spent camping and fishing with Jack at McGee Creek Lake.

Betty will be remembered for her warmth, strength, laughter and the countless stitches of love she left behind—woven into every quilt, every memory and every heart she touched.

Betty is survived by her beloved husband, Jack Douglas of Tecumseh; daughters: Denise Douglas, Dawna McDonough and Diane Carter; many grandchildren, great-grandchildren, extended family and friends who will cherish her memory.

She was preceded in death by her daughter, Jackie Rhea Haynes, whose memory Betty carried close to her heart.

Arrangements are under the direction of Clinkingbeard Funeral Home, Gainesville.