Betty Christine Labarbera

LABARBERA - Betty Christine "Chris" (Martin) LaBarbera, 83, went home to her Lord on June 18, 2010 after a long illness. She was the daughter of Miles O. and Nona P. Martin, born, raised and lived her whole life in Jacksonville, Fl. She is preceded in death by her loving husband, Joseph T., brother, Darwin Martin and sister-in-law, Katherine Ward. Chris loved her church, family and friends. Chris helped her husband, Joe, build a family owned business, All-Brite Sales Company, that is still operating today. Over the years, Chris was active in her church, the Garden Club, a former finance chairman of the Greater Jacksonville Open and The Players Championship. Most of all, Chris loved spending time with her family and relatives and enjoying life through the years with her many friends, especially her "shell sisters".

She was a loving mother to her three surviving sons and their wives, Martin (Lela), Gerald (Tonya), and Randol (Karen). She is also survived by her brother and his wife, Morris (Annette) Martin of Kiawah Island, SC, two sister-in-laws, Francis (John) Lawler and Norma Martin both of Jacksonville, FL, her nine grandchildren, Kristen, Adam, Kurt, Jason, Kip, Tamara, Jacqui, Reece and Lindsay, and many cousins, nieces, and nephews.

Funeral services will be held on Tuesday, June 22, 2010. All the activities will be at her church, Neptune Baptist Church at 446 3rd Street, Neptune Beach, FL 32266. Viewing and meeting of family and friends will begin at 2 pm with the service starting at 3 pm. A time for reflection will follow in the Fellowship Hall at the church. Her burial will be at 10 am at Oaklawn Cemetery, 4801 San Jose Blvd., Jacksonville, FL 32217, on Wednesday, June 23, for family and those who would wish to attend. The family wishes to express their sincere gratitude to her care givers and all those who visited and offered their prayers. Donations in lieu of flowers can be made to the American Lung Association of Florida.

Arrangements are by Hardage-Giddens Funeral Home, Jacksonville Beach.