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Lillian Lorene Latimer Betts, 92, died November 30, 2012, in Fort Smith, Arkansas, after a courageous battle with Alzheimer’s disease. She was born August 16, 1920, in Brent, Oklahoma, to Walter Jacob and Cordelia Ann (Scott) Latimer. She graduated from Sallisaw High School in 1938. Lillian graduated from Northeastern State University in Tahlequah, Oklahoma. She also did Graduate work at OSU in Stillwater, Oklahoma. She taught Business Education at Sallisaw High School for a few years. With encouragement of a dear friend, she moved to Washington, DC. She met and married the love of her life, Donzel Betts, on June 18, 1955 at Foundry Methodist Church in Washington, DC.
Lillian held prestigious jobs during her life. Lillian worked as a Secretary for the Department of the Air Force (for Director of Intelligence). Lillian was a member of the Order of Eastern Star and an active member in Women’s PEO while in Washington, DC. A member of Christ Church of Washington, she spent her lifetime studying God’s Word from the Bible; Lillian truly ‘lived her life for the love of Jesus’. She created beautiful needlepoint pieces for her home. Lillian was a gracious hostess, excellent cook and caring friend. Her unconditional love and encouragement will be greatly missed by her family and close friends.
She was preceded in death by beloved husband Donzel Betts, her parents, sister Ruby Denton, and brother Wilton W. “Bill” Latimer, and nephew Mike Ryser, of Oklahoma City, Oklahoma. Survivors include nephew Jerald Wayne and wife Mary Lynn Denton of Roland, Oklahoma and 3 nieces, Mary Ann and husband Kenneth Sipes, Sandra Kay and husband Gary Hart, all of Edmond, Oklahoma and Linda Fay Ryser, of Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, along with a host of great-nieces and great-nephews. The family expresses heartfelt gratitude to Peachtree Hospice Care and River Valley Health & Rehab Center staff for their loving care and support in Lillian’s illness. |
