Betty J. Barbee, 90, went to be with her Lord on July 19, 2021 at the Orlando Health Blue Cedar Emergency Room in Leesburg, Florida.
Betty was born at home in Connersville on February 9, 1931 to Roger Paris and Lois Simpson Paris. She was a lifelong resident of Connersville prior to moving to Florida a few years ago. She was a graduate of Harrisburg High School. Betty worked as a telephone operator prior to her career as a cook with the Fayette County School Corporation, from which she retired. Betty was an active and faithful member of the New Heights Christian Church in Connersville, where she belonged to many women’s groups throughout the years. She was a Sunday school teacher and a member of the choir. She also volunteered her time at the Community Sharing Food Pantry. Betty enjoyed listening to classical music, reading, sports (especially golf) and traveling. She also enjoyed playing cards and watching The Waltons on television. She enjoyed visiting with friends and family most of all and will be missed by her all who knew her. Betty loved her family and her faith.
Betty is survived by 2 sons, Rodney Barbee and his wife Becky of Springersville, and Steve Barbee and his wife Donita of Florida; 2 daughters, Becky High and her husband Max of Florida and Dana Brown and her husband Greg of Kentucky; 2 sisters, Ruth Harrison of Connersville and Jeanette Wasson of North Carolina; 11 grandchildren; 13 great grandchildren and several nieces and nephews.
Betty was preceded in death by her husband of 61years Raymond “Ray” Allen Barbee whom she married on September 9, 1950; her son Donald Allen Barbee; a granddaughter Laura Nicole Brown; her brothers Ralph Paris and Paul Paris as well as two sisters Mary Strayer and Marjorie Turner.
Funeral Services will be conducted by Pastor Shawn Tipton of Hannas Creek Christian Church on Tuesday July 27, 2021 at 1:00 p.m. at Showalter Blackwell Long Funeral Home Myers Chapel in Connersville. Friends may call from 11:00 a.m. until the time of the service.