Betty Jo Carman

Betty Jo Carman passed away peacefully in her sleep on April 8, 2026, at the age of 100, held in the quiet comfort of her home and the devoted care of her daughter, Pamela. Born on January 17, 1926, she was a resident of Haughton, Louisiana. A woman whose life was defined by steadfast loyalty and creative spirit, Betty Jo leaves behind a legacy of service, family, and simple, heartfelt joys.

Born into a close-knit Alabama community, Betty Jo was raised by her mother and stepfather, Frances Maddox and Clyde Wilder. She attended school at Weaver in Piedmont, Alabama, until the 9th grade. In her youth, her grace and character were recognized when she was honored as a nominee for Queen of Cotton. It was at the age of sixteen, while working at the Palace Drug Store in Piedmont, that she met the man who would become her husband, Harry Ralph Carman.

Betty Jo was the epitome of a devoted military spouse. For 32 years, she stood by Harry as he rose to the rank of Chief Master Sergeant in the United States Air Force, supporting him through his service in WWII (earning a Purple Heart for his valor and bravery), Korea, and Vietnam. Her life was a living testament to the spirit of Proverbs 31; truly the very living example of the biblical and character-driven definition of a woman, "Her honor is her devotion."

Her commitment to service extended into her community, where she assisted Ralph with the Cub Scouts and Boy Scouts, remained an active member of the Haughton Band Parents, and served as a participating member of the Ladies Auxiliary of the Purple Heart 351.

Betty Jo found beauty in the work of her hands. She was gifted in ceramics and stained glass, but her true medium was the kitchen. Her family will forever remember her legendary gingerbread cookies and houses and her "specialty" Santa Clauses crafted from ice cream cones and marshmallows. She found peace in her garden, where her work ethic was unmatched. Whether she was trimming her nine-foot hedges or meticulously tending to her lawn, she took immense pride in her home until her very last days. A woman of firm convictions, she was a passionate supporter of her country, a devout Republican (even though she didn’t know she was a registered Democrat) and remained a devoted admirer of her President, Donald J. Trump, to her last breath

Betty Jo was preceded in death by her grandmother, Hattie May Pye Moore, who was forever the "wind beneath her wings."; mother, Francis Smiley; stepfather, Clyde Wilder; sisters, Mary Roberts and Barbara Milan; husband, Harry Ralph Carman; son, Terrance Ralph Carman; and her grandson, Donovan Carman.

Her memory will be cherished by her four children and their families: Pamela (John), Sharon, Mike (Candy), and Jerry (Oki). She also leaves behind 13 grandchildren—Shawn, Jeff, Amy, Leslie, Rebecca, Bryan, Crystal, Dakota, Tammy, Karen, Kevin, Chris, and Casey—along with several great-grandchildren.

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"As long as I have the love of each of you, I can live my life in the hearts of all of you."