Betty Jo Adams Phelps passed away on December 28, 2021 in Dallas, Texas. She was born on June 18, 1923 in Wills Point, Texas to parents Samuel Bruce Adams and Laura Josephine Colman Adams. She was preceded in death by her parents and three brothers—Bruce Adams, Thomas Adams, and Ty Adams and Jack Phelps, her husband of 61 years.
It is probably best to allow Betty to describe herself, in words taken from her autobiography: “I truly believe that God put me here to love and help others. I try. I’d like to be remembered as a loving, fun-loving, knowledgeable person.” It’s good to make people laugh. And she did laugh, from her childhood until the last days of her life where she entertained many of the hospital staff.
Her children remember her as the consummate mother—She was loving, caring, and nurturing, and she shared that love with countless others in her volunteer work at a child care center, a food bank, and as a mentor for underprivileged youth.
She liked to be active, and loved sports. In her memoirs she recalls that she loved to play softball and would have loved to play football if young ladies had been allowed to do so at the time. She was a rabid fan of the Dallas Cowboys but couldn’t bear to watch their games because she became too emotionally involved.
She had a brilliant mind and was a lifelong learner. She was valedictorian of her high school class, and enjoyed exploring on her computer in her later years until she was unable to do so because of failing eyesight.
The family wish to extend special thanks to Gene and Janell Sanders and Wanda Bowman, who helped in her care.
She is survived by children Jack Phelps and wife Karen of Georgetown, Angie Nichols and husband Nick of Mesquite, and Laura Hersman and husband David of Yantis. She was blessed with 5 grandchildren, 13 great-grandchildren and 4 great-great-grandchildren.
Visitation will be Thursday, 1/6/2021, from 12pm – 2pm at the First United Methodist Church, 300 N Galloway Ave, Mesquite, TX. Gravesides services will follow at 3pm at Restland Cemetery.
Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.Sparkman-Crane.com for the Phelps family.
