Bettie J Kirkham

On May 17, 2024, Bettie Jo Kirkham arrived in Heaven and into the loving arms of her Lord Jesus and her adoring husband, Fred. Though her family mourns her loss, we rejoice in the knowledge that she will now spend a pain-free eternity with those who went before her.

Bettie Jo was born on November 16, 1932, in Victoria, Texas to Sanders and Lillian Rhodes. She was one of 7 children and grew up in Victoria, Texas among numerous longtime friends and family members. On July 9, 1952, Bettie Jo married Fred C Kirkham in Victoria, Texas. As newlyweds, they soon arrived in College Station, Texas, living in married housing across the street from the Texas A&M campus as Fred completed his degree in Architecture. They soon became parents to 3 sons and 1 daughter. Fred’s architecture career moved them several times in South Texas before settling down in Corpus Christi, Texas in 1968. They joined Weber Road Church of Christ, where Bettie Jo taught the 3-year-old class for over 30 years, while also faithfully serving God in the Church’s other ministries.

When she became mobility challenged, she joined King Crossing Church of Christ with her daughter Linda, son-in-law Derek, and sister Lillian. She enjoyed meeting new people, forming new friendships and supporting the King’s Crossing Prison Ministry. The last two years of her life were spent at Garden Estates Assisted Living Center in Corpus Christi where she was blessed with a multitude of great caregivers that became her friends.

Bettie Jo was a great Wife, Mom, gifted homemaker, and Sunday school teacher. She was a faithful Christian mother who made sure her kids were in Church every time the doors were open. She was a quiet person and enjoyed her time at home surrounded by her family, her puppies, and her books.

Bettie Jo was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Fred Charles, Son William Mark, son-in-law Derek Moreland, and all of her siblings and their spouses. She is survived by her son Dr. Charles Kirkham (Julie), daughter Linda Moreland, son Michael Kirkham (Rico Urbina), and grandchildren Brian Kirkham (Lauren), Brett Kirkham (Kathleen), Courtney Kelly (Luke), Kasi Groomer (Blake), Rianna Kirkham, and 8 great-grandchildren and numerous nieces and nephews.

The family wishes to thank all of the wonderful staff at Garden Estates that cared and loved on her over the last two years. Special thanks to the “Blue Button Girls” and Q’s Care Girls.

A Celebration of Life will be held on Saturday, May 25, 2024, at 11 AM with time to visit and share memories following the service. Service will take place at Funeraria Del Angel – Everhart, 4901 Everhart Rd. Corpus Christi, Texas 78411.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made in Bettie Jo’s name to King’s Crossing Prison Ministry or a charity of your choice.