Betty Carolyn Gilberts
Ava, MO

Betty Carolyn Gilberts, 76 years, passed away at Heart of the Ozarks Healthcare on April 18, 2015 in Ava.

Betty was born December 24, 1938 in Marrilton, AR to Rev. Aubrey and Floreina Dorothy (Moore) Poteete.

Before moving to Ava, Betty was a resident of Doniphan, MO from 1967 to 1999. As a girl Betty and her sister Velma often sang at churches and revivals working with their father a Pentecostal preacher. Later on she worked on riverboats on the Mississippi and Illinois rivers as a cook. Betty loved reading historical romances but, only after she discovered she had dyslexia and teaching herself to read, that opened many other doors including getting her CNA certification and working as a nurses aid. She retired from nursing finishing her career at Lucy Lee Hospital in Poplar Bluff, MO. She worked as an Aide for 27 years. Betty loved animals and worked to provide funding for animal shelters and saved many animals lives. Betty was a Christian.

Betty was preceded in death by her parents, a daughter, Connie Lee Wellito, a son Allen Dale Marcum and a brother, James Poteete.

Betty is survived by three children; Duwayne Marcum, Cleveland, OH; Susan Adams, Ava, MO; and Roger Gilberts and Marla, Mounds, OK, twelve grandchildren, Richard, Mathew, Whitney, Alexandria, Ian, Logan, Loreli, D.J., Danielle, Anthony, Brittany and Jeremy, and one great-grandchild, Michael, sisters, Velma Marcum, Port Richie, FL and Kathy McMahon, GlenDale Heights, IL and a host of other relatives and friends.



Funeral services for Betty will be Thursday, April 23, 2015, at 10:00 a.m. in the Clinkingbeard Chapel, Ava, MO with burial on Saturday, April 25, 2015, 1:00 p.m. in the Oak Grove Cemetery, (Hwy 21) Doniphan, MO. Officiating in Ava will be Pastor David Welsh. Memorials may be made to Castaway Animal Rescue Effort (C.A.R.E.) 1328 A West Sunshine St., Springfield, MO 65807. full obituary to follow.