I just now read of your going home to meet your Jesus on your daughter's Facebook page.
Jobea, you gave me so much in my life when I was at Eastridge Park Christian Church.  You were the first person to write music to one of my poems for Jesus.  You dedicated your life to others.  I will miss you, but so grateful I will see you once again someday.  To Jobea's family my deepest condolences and prayers for your great loss.  One of the most beautiful, caring and giving women I have ever known!

Jobea was always so sweet, kind , helpful, and so talented. I could easily see Jesus in her every time I saw her. I'm so sorry toy your loss.

Dana Neiswender

Toby and Kristi, As you know your mom Jobea was more than a classical guitar teacher to me.  When she played guitar in my private lesson I recall being transported into a musical hall of sound and although her eyes were a brilliant green I could sense immense firey passion behind every note accompanied with a slow stretching smile of bliss in achieving a desired sound quality, pitch, and resonance.  As powerful as this memory is in retrospect it fails in comparison to equate with the beautiful stream of generosity and love as a person that poured from her heart as she guided me and all her other students for that matter through practices and recitals.  I still to this day recall the song she taught me on my guitar at that very first lesson although I haven't been able to pick up the guitar since Joshua was born very often.  This muscle memory developed from playing this first piece and the Travis pick moves for Dust in the Wind are a testament to the teacher, musician, and soul Jobea is.

Terry, I just want to tell you how sorry I am for your loss.

Hi Terry.  I'm so sorry to learn this.  Jon Davis told me today, as well as how much love you and Jobea shared, and how devoted you were to each other.  Sending you my condolences and prayers.

Carl Rohsenberger

I am so sorry for your loss!  She will always be very dear to me!  She was the bravest woman I have ever known.  I am sorry that I missed the funeral.  Please know that you all are in my prayers!  Rhonda  Van Sickle

Miss Jobea was a hero in my life. She will always be loved.

Our thoughts and prayers are with all of you during this difficult time. Scott, tiffany and Jrake russell (Cheryl Clem's nephew)

Toby, I am so sorry for your loss.  I remember your Mom to be so sweet and kind.  I remember sitting in the front room of your house in Mesquite listening to your Mom and you play the guitar, and that has been over 20 years ago.  Please know that you and your family are in my thoughts and prayers.  With Love, Karen Clark-Robinson

Kristi.  I'm so sorry for your loss.  I pray the Lord holds you and your family close to Him in your time of sorrow.  I hope you can find comfort in knowing that you will see her again.  Your life and your childrens' lives are a testimony of the great woman that she was.  She is surely proud of you.  I hope you find peace soon.
Love and deepest sympathy
Rachel Sherrin~Peterson

Though I had not seen Miss Jobea in years, I have been following her life on facebook through Miss Kristi. I met Miss Jobea when my daughter studied ballet at The Bittenbender Academy and have only the best, warmest, and most inspiring memories of both Miss Jobea and Miss Kristi. Miss Jobea was so brave in dealing with what life dealt her. I will always look back on those "Nutcracker" years as some of the most enjoyable of my children's growing up times. I was blessed to have met Miss Jobea. May God bring peace and comfort to her family and friends.

For several years I had the great pleasure to perform classical guitar duets with Jobea. We performed classical guitar duets from the standard classical guitar repertoire as well as several original compositions including Jobea's own compositions. The sensitivity she brought to her interpretations really made the music come to life. We performed at several different venues. She gave me the most memorable musical experience and she was the blessing of a lifetime. I loved Jobea dearly. She is greatly missed.

For several years I had the great pleasure to perform classical guitar duets with Jobea. We performed music from the standard classical guitar repertoire as well as several original pieces including Jobea's own composition. We performed at several different venues. The sensitivity she brought to her interpretations really made the music come to life. She gave to me the most memorable musical experience and she was the blessing of a lifetime. I loved Jobea dearly. She is greatly missed.
                                                                             
Toni Wells ( Plano, Tx. )

I was so sorry to hear of the loss of your loved one. My thoughts and prayers go out to you and your family.

Our thoughts and prayers are with you in your time of grief.  May your memories bring you comfort.

Kristi, your mom was always smiling and happy when I would come into the dance studio; I am so happy to have known her. She was such an inspirational person.  Never forget how PROUD she was of you and take comfort in that.  My prayers are with you and your family.
Nancy Roberts Pistilli

Dearest Kristi,

Your mother joyfully gave those who knew her the gift of her light, the pleasure of music and the love of dance.  You both shared so much of that with your students and we are forever grateful for your mother's grace and life on this earth. Heartfull prayers to you and your family.
With much love, Anna and Nancy Felix and Family

Jobea and Terry were my my mother and stepfather (Virgil & Peggy Hankins)   on Caribbean for several years. I remember when Virgil passed in 1998. There were several children, too small to attend the service. Jobea graciously stayed and watched my son who was three at the time and several others. I will always remember her "gypsy spirit" and love of rock n roll. My prayers are wtih Terry and her family. She was one of a kind.

In loving memory of Jobea, a light that will live forever in the heart of those who knew and loved her.  Godspeed!

The world lost a wonderful woman and Mother in addition to a fantastic musician and teacher when Jobea passes. I know their family has been grieving since the day she was diagnosed and lost her ability to do things she loved. She is in a better place now. Our prayers are for her dear family as they have to learn to live without her. I am better for having known her and so are the others who knew her!

To the Bittenbender family you will be in our prayers. Jobea will be greatly appreciated and missed. Her and Kristi's love for dance and music alike will forever be apart of mine and my children's lives. Jessica, Kyle, Amber and Seth learned so much. Many thanks to the opportunities you opened to our lives. We love and miss you. Now heaven has one more musican. See you again.

My condolences to Jobea's Family at this time.  I remember asking Jobea for lipstick samples when I was a teenager and she was an Avon representative.  She was a great salesperson helping the ladies in the neighborhood to find items to feel better about themselves.  Jobea went on to bigger and better things in her life but she continued to help others feel better about themselves.  She will be missed but now is her turn to be free of the pain she had endured for many years.  God always knows when it is time to bring us home.  Love from Cindy Abel Sanchez

Our thoughts and prayers are with you during this difficult time. May you find comfort in all the wonderful memories. 
Love, John & Brenda

Sorry to hear of Jobea's passing.  You are all in our thoughts and prayers.  Wish we could be there with you.  

Love, Uncle Bud, Tom & Linda

It is with much sadness to learn of Jobea's death. Our whole family has been touched by this sweet lady and her presence will be greatly missed. Six of our children have gained an appreciation for the arts under her and Kristi's love of dance and music.

I had the pleasure to work with Terry for 15+ years and through this time, meet his wonderul wife, Jobea.  She was always a pleasant and positive force with those that encountered her.  Jobea seemed to be a person that really loved life and her family.  My prayers are with Terry and the rest of the family as you celebrate Jobea's life and the impact she had on so many.  - Jon Davis

So sorry about Jobea. Wish I could be there with you during this difficult time. Will be thinking about you.
Love, Tom & Marilyn

Our hearts and prayers go out to Terry and Cheryl and the whole family on the loss of Jobea.  May she be at peace in God's arms and may her family also know the peace and blessing of God.
Rev. Jim Reinarz
and the people of First Presbyterian Church, Grand Prairie.

I never met you but I know Kristi and what an amazing job you did in raising her! Your legacy will live on in her and your grandchildren. God bless your family.

Jobea has left a legacy that will live on forever in the hearts of those that knew her. Her love for the arts was her passion & she gave it her all. Think of all the lives she has touched-how people are changed because of her. Many long hours I've spent with Jobea & Kristi preparing for a ballet peformance-these are precious memories that I cherish. My thoughts & prayers go out to her family especially those I know personally-Terry, Kerri, Kristi & Toby. I don't know what it's like to loose someone close but I do know that God's Grace is with you as you travel through this journey.

My Heart goes out to her husband & children Jobea she was one of the most caring & loving person i have ever met..she will truly be missed...I loved her deeply...she was a beautiful friend... (Carolyn Primm) Mesquite, Tx.

Jobea was such a warm and loving friend, mother, grandmother, teacher and artist.  Our hearts go out to her entire family for their loss. She and I spent many hours together supporting the dance dreams of Kristi and Jason - and loving every minute of it!  She will be missed.  Love to you all, 
The Fowlers:    Les, Diane, Jason, Scott and Kent

Many of us in the Dallas,Texas music community wish to express our deepest condolences to Toby and the entire family... Love and prayers as you celebrate a wonderful life and strengthen one another during the pain of your loss. The reflection of Jobea's love and spirit lives on in each of you.

Our daughters were friends since middle school.  We watched them grow, our lives changed, the grass grew each year and winter winds brought afterward the spring rains that whispered the buds of spring flowers... Such is the cycle of life... She is ahead of me now... walking in joy and comfort.... What an Angel she was to all who knew her.... Peace be with you now my friend.....

Here's to a blessed journey in the hereafter Mrs. Bittenbender. You made a name for yourself and you raised three wonderful kids.  That is a life well-lived.  That is all one can ask for in life you got it in spades.  A hui hou Jobea. (Hawaiian for "Till we meet again").

In each of our lives there are a "few" special people who cause us to stop in our tracks every time we hear their name.  Those with unusual courage, care, love, talent, and spirituality stand out.  But when one has all those qualities as Jobea, we will "always" remember and "always" have that same respect.  What a treasure that God gave me to have known Jobea and to have her precious daughter Kristi as a dear friend.  Looking forward.......

Comfort and peace to your hearts as you celebrate the life and mourn the loss of your dear one. Praying for you all.

My Heart Felt Condolences to Terry, Kerri, Toby and Kristi for your loss of a very special Wife and Mother..............   Sam Bordelon

Our deepest sympathy for your family and friends.  It is through her husband and wonderful children that memories go on.   Love you and take care of yourselves......

I only met Mrs Bittenbender briefly, but she was such a sweet soul and so calming and beautiful.  I wish the entire family peace and love and serenity.  
Kerri I am so very sorry for your loss and am always here for you.

I would like to express my condolences to my dear friend Kerri and her entire family.  
Love to you,
Phyllis, Reid, Tallulah and Tanner Gault

OBITUARY

Jobea Nell Bittenbender

October 19, 1948 – June 25, 2013

Sparkman-Crane Funeral Home

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