Betty W. Yoder's Obituary
YODER, (WILBURN), BETTY MARIE went to be with her Lord on Tuesday, July 31, 2012 at her home. She was under the loving care of her daughters. Betty was born May 5, 1923 to Robert Lee Wilburn, Sr. and Malinda Marie Carr in Savannah, GA. She was preceded in death by her husband of 64 years, Philip John Yoder; a son, John Michael Yoder; two brothers, Robert Lee Wilburn, Jr., Roland Wilburn and a sister, Ruth Naomi Wilburn Olivera; four sisters-in-law, Laura Jean Sims Wilburn, Helen Yoder Richter, Mary Thompson Wilburn and Elizabeth Jane Yoder Flynn; and a brother-in-law, Edgar Freddie Yoder.Betty is survived by three daughters, Janet Marie Yoder (Latshaw) of Howey-in-the-Hills, Linda Philene Yoder (Lawson) of Tavares and Brenda Ruth Yoder of Lakeland; a sister-in-law, Dorothy Yoder of Harrisburg, PA; a brother-in-law, John Olivera of Harrisonburg, VA, three nieces; Nancy Wilburn Timbrooke of Pensacola, FL, Sheryl Wilburn Mathews and husband, Gerald of Cave City, AR, and Lori Merritt Baldree of Harrisonburg, VA; three nephews, James R. Wilburn and wife, Linda of Greenville, GA, Robert R. Merritt and wife, CarrieAnn of San Diego, CA, and David Merritt and wife, Bonnie of Virginia Beach, VA; grandsons, John Arthur Ryan and Albert Joseph Ryan as well as 4 other grandsons, three granddaughters and seventeen great-grandchildren.Betty moved from Savannah, GA to Atlanta where she attended elementary school. She then moved to Branford, FL and graduated from Branford High School in 1941. After graduation, Betty moved to Jacksonville, FL, where she worked and met her future husband, Philip, in training with the United States Navy.Betty and her husband moved from Branford to Tavares in the mid 1950’s. She moved into her present home May 05, 1955, her Birthday. Shortly after moving to Tavares she and her husband, Phil, joined The First Baptist Church of Tavares. She was a dedicated member of the Church Choir and a Sunday School Teacher. Betty’s strong faith in her Lord and her Church gave her the strength to raise four children. Betty was dedicated to the people of Lake County by donating more than 45 gallons of blood to the Central Florida Blood Bank.Betty was employed with Dr. Eugene Glenn, former Mayor of Tavares. When the opportunity was presented, she went to work for the Lake County Tax Collector and retired from there in 1985 with twenty years of service.Friends were invited to gather for viewing on Monday, August 6, 2012, from 6 to 8 pm in the funeral home chapel. A funeral ceremony was held on Tuesday, August 7, 2012, at 9:30 am at The First Baptist Church of Tavares. Burial followed at Tavares Cemetery. If you desire, flowers are being accepted or donations may be made in her name to The First Baptist Church of Tavares, 124 N. Joanna Av., Tavares, FL 32778 or to Cornerstone Hospice, 2445 Lane Park Rd, Tavares, FL 32778. Arrangements were entrusted to Steverson, Hamlin & Hilbish Funerals and Cremations, Tavares. Condolences may be left for the family by signing the guestbook below.
What’s your fondest memory of Betty?
What’s a lesson you learned from Betty?
Share a story where Betty's kindness touched your heart.
Describe a day with Betty you’ll never forget.
How did Betty make you smile?