Celebration of Life services for Mrs. Betty Jane Edwards (Moore) were held Monday, June 24, 2024, at Assumption Catholic Church with Father Peter Jandaezek officiating. Interment followed in the Tussy Cemetery, under the care and direction of Alexander Gray Funeral Home of Velma, Oklahoma.
Betty was born August 6, 1933, in Duncan, Oklahoma, to Harry Emery Moore and Lucy Moore (Haas) and passed from this life on Wednesday, June 19, 2024, in the family home near Tussy. Betty grew up on 213 Chestnut St. and graduated from Duncan High School with a perfect attendance record for 12 straight years.
She married Leon Edwards on June 19, 1957. They made their home in Duncan for three years before moving to Leon’s birthplace where they lived for over 60 years. Here they raised their four children and spoiled their grandchildren and great-grandchildren.
Betty was a devoted mother and homemaker who selflessly supported multiple school, community and church activities. She served over 25 years as leader of the Velma and Stephens County 4-H Clubs. She was recognized as Oklahoma 4-H Leader of the Year in 1987.
Betty was known as an excellent cook who won multiple blue ribbons for her pecan pies. Sunday dinners were a family tradition; Betty had an uncanny ability to have everything hot and on the table at the same time.
In 1987, Betty became postmaster at the Tussy Post Office where she worked for 19 years. Upon her retirement, Betty and Leon enjoyed taking trips with the Duncan Chickasaw Seniors. Betty finally had the chance to indulge her love of planting and growing flowers. She spent many peaceful mornings outside watering her hibiscus.
Betty was an avid reader and had an encyclopedic knowledge of ALL things. Her family truly believed she was the precursor to Google. Faith was the cornerstone of Betty’s life. She was raised in Assumption Catholic Church, later attended St. Peter’s in Lindsay with Leon and her family, and then returned to her childhood church.
Betty lived a full and wonderful life. For 90 years, she was a force of nature. She was witty, energetic, healthy and relevant. Her grandchildren were often the victims of her sharp, but loving, wit. Betty was not sick a day in her life, baking strawberry cupcakes and hauling hay within the last week. She was the undeniable leader of the family. She never lost her love of learning and could carry on an intellectual conversation on every topic from astrology to zoology. Betty was kind, compassionate, non-judgmental, funny and patient. We are all better for having known her.
Betty is survived by her children, Mary Wade of Shawnee, Oklahoma, Leo Edwards and wife, Heather, of Velma, Oklahoma, John Edwards and wife, Leah, of Lindsay, Oklahoma, and daughter-in-law, Valerie Edwards of Velma; grandchildren, Stephen, Jacob and Amanda Edwards, Rachel Hardage, Audrey and Lilla Wade, Tyler, Dillion and Cody Edwards, and Gracie Edwards; and great-grandchildren, Zellee, Tynan, Willa, Lane, Bryce and Emory.
Betty was preceded in death by her parents; her husband, Leon; and her eldest son, Joseph.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Leon and Betty Edwards Scholarship Fund at the First National Bank in Velma.
Pallbearers were Stephen, Jacob, Tyler, Dillion, Cody Edwards, and Mike Fondren. Honorary pallbearers were Amanda Edwards, Rachel Hardage, Audrey Wade, Lilla Wade, Gracie Edwards, Arnold Johnson, and Oscar Smith.
