Bette Jo French, 87, of Orange, Texas, passed away on October 4, 2024, at her home in Orange.
Funeral services will be 11:00 a.m., Wednesday, October 9, 2024, at Calvary Baptist Church in West Orange. Officiating will be Reverend Jeff Bell and Reverend David Millner. Burial will follow at Autumn Oaks Memorial Park in Orange.
Visitation will be prior to the service beginning at 10:00 a.m. Wednesday, October 9, 2024, at Calvary Baptist Church in West Orange.
Born in Orange, Texas, on March 22, 1937, she was the daughter of Eugene Sharpton and Nina Lea Cooper McMillan. Bette Jo held her faith close to her heart, being an integral part of Calvary Baptist Church in West Orange. There, she not only attended services but also actively contributed to the church's mission by teaching pre-school Sunday School and participating in the Bereavement Committee. In addition to her church activities, Bette Jo was known for her commitment to civic duties, fervently working the voting polls and encouraging community engagement. Her passion for life extended beyond her community service; she found immense joy in traveling and creating lasting memories. Shopping brought her happiness, as did the simple pleasure of pampering herself with pedicures. Above all, Bette Jo treasured her role as a grandmother, endearingly known as "BeBe" or "Bette Jo" to her beloved grandchildren. Her home was a haven of love and laughter, where she fostered strong connections and instilled cherished values in the younger generations. She will be deeply missed by all who knew and loved her.
She is preceded in death by her parents, Eugene Sharpton and Nina Cooper McMillan; her husband, Caleb French, Jr.; her daughter, Debra Ball; her grandchildren, Daniel Raymer, Charles Hogden, Caleb Underwood, and Brittney Welch; her brothers, Bobby Stites, Ronnie Stites, and Robert Sharpton; and her sister, Gayle McCullough.
She is survived by her daughters, Barbara Welch and husband, C.A. of Orange, and Peggy Fuller and husband, Dean of Orange; her grandchildren, Ashley Greiner and husband, Chris, John Raymer and wife, Laci, Erin Smith and husband, James, Hunter Fuller and wife, Brittany, Lisa Talbert and husband, Wayne, Benjamin Raymer and wife, Heather, Charlie Welch and wife, Crystal, Brett Fuller and wife, Laurie, Tracy Hogden and Shawn Fitton, Megan Neal, and Daniel Ball and wife, Shannon; 24 great-grandchildren;1 great-great-grandchild; her siblings, Kay Jenkins, Jerry Sharpton, Rita Noland, and Karlene Boykin; her best friend and sister-in-law, Cheryl VanPelt; her son-in-law, Don Ball, Jr.; and numerous other loving nieces, nephews, family members, and friends.
Serving as pallbearers will be Brett Fuller, Benjamin Raymer, Wayne Talbert, Charlie Welch, Chris Greiner, and Bryce Raymer. Honorary pallbearers are Hudson Fuller and Shawn Fitton.