Betty Jo Wade of Paris went home to be with our Lord in Heaven on Tuesday, November 22, 2011.  She was born in Paris on May 14, 1931 to James Alvin and Juanita Page Norvell.  She graduated from Paris High School in 1948 and Paris Junior College in 1950.  She married Lawrence Albert Wade in Texarkana, TX on August 26, 1950, just prior to his service in the Korean Conflict.  Except for a brief time in California during the Conflict, she lived in Paris her entire life.  She was the Pastor’s and Financial Secretary at First Baptist Church of Paris for 29 years and served in the Nursery Division for 55 years.  She loved her church and enjoyed crocheting afghans and working word search puzzles.  Her greatest love – her family – enjoyed the gigantic meals she prepared on every special occasion and as often as someone would visit; her red beans and pound cake will be greatly missed.

Betty was predeceased by her parents and son-in-law, Dr. Robert Yeakley.  She is survived by her husband of 61 years; three children, James Albert (Jim) Wade and wife, Kay, of Sunnyvale; Terri Lynn Yeakley of Chicota; and Jerry Wayne Wade and wife, Joy, of Azle.  She is also survived by five grandchildren and seven great-grandchildren.  Surviving also are a sister-in-law, a niece, a nephew, a great nephew and a host of friends who will miss the sweetness and loving attention that Mother provided all her family and friends.  She cared about everyone and expressed it tirelessly. 

The family will receive friends on Friday evening at Fry & Gibbs Funeral Home from 6:30 to 8 p.m.  The funeral service will be held on Saturday, November 26^th at 12:30 p.m. in the chapel of Fry & Gibbs Funeral Home. The Reverend Ken Cannon will officiate the service assisted by the Reverend Jim Semple with interment to follow at Evergreen Cemetery.  Pallbearers will be her sons, grandson, grandson-in-law and nephews.

The family expresses sincere thanks to Mother’s doctors:  Dr. Toby Crumpler, Dr. Ted McLemore, Dr. Kalid Shafiq, and Dr. Thomas Troutt.  Additional thanks goes especially to the many caring nurses and medical personnel of Paris Regional Medical Center North and South Campus and Dubuis Hospital of Paris.  And finally, to the many friends who visited, called and provided loyal support over the last several months – thank you so very much.  Our family’s love goes to each one of you.