Betty Jo Jolly Phifer, 91, passed away Sept. 9, 2023.
She was born Nov, 5, 1931, in Overton County, to Earl and Kathleen Bilbrey Jolly.
They later moved to the Findlay community, in White County, where they called home.
Betty was a member of the Findlay United Methodist Church. She loved her church family and missed not being able to attend as her health declined. Betty was an avid sports fan and loved watching basketball games, especially her favorite Tennessee Lady Vols. Her favorite past time was talking and spending time with her grandchildren, family, and many dear friends.
Betty was devoted to helping others. She spent her career in the medical field as an LPN for over 50 years. Her career began at the old White County Hospital where she helped deliver a baby on her first night. After the hospital, she worked for Dr. C.B. Roberts, Dr. Robert Baker Sr., and Dr. Robert Baker Jr. Her passion for helping others did not fade after retirement. She continued to serve and love others throughout her lifetime.
Betty Jo was preceded in death by her parents; four sisters, infant Rosa Nell Jolly, Earlene Jolly Graham, Patricia Ruth Jolly Howard, Paula Eugenia Jolly; and two brothers, Kenneth Ray Jolly and William Dwight Jolly.
Survivors include her son, Chris (Lauren) Phifer, of Quebeck; daughter, Kim (Tim) Sanders, of Le Bouchage, France; three grandchildren who were her pride and joy, Evin Hibbs, Paxton Phifer, Ansley Phifer; sisters, Sue Sparkman, Linda Johnson, Sandra Lane, Gail (John) Scoggins; brothers, Ralph (Sharon) Jolly, Jerry (Phillis) Jolley, Billy (Terri) Jolly; one sister-in-law, Peggy Jolly; one brother-in-law, Merrill (Deloris) Howard; and many special nieces and nephews whom she loved dearly.
Funeral service will be 11 a.m., Sept. 15, 2023, at Hunter Funeral Home, with burial in Old Zion Cemetery. Service will be led by Joel Sparkman, and Bro. Paul Allen will officiate. The family will receive friends 4-8 p.m., Sept. 14, at the funeral home.
Paxton Phifer, Joel Sparkman, David Graham, Merrill Howard, Jeff Jolly, and Richard Lane will serve as pallbearers.
Honorary pallbearers include Evin Hibbs, Kevin Jolly, Brandon Jolley, Brent Jolly, Shaun Young, and Ross Jolly.
The family would like to say a special thank you to Betty’s niece, Donna Rader, Ascension Saint Thomas Highlands Hospital, River Park Hospital, and NHC Healthcare of McMinnville for the excellent care during her illness.
Hunter Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.
