Betty Jo Lewis

Betty Jo was born on January 1, 1931, in Westphalia, Texas, to Godfrey William Hoelscher and Elenora Niehues Hoelscher. She spent a few early years in Waco before settling in Temple, the community she proudly called home for most of her life.

She attended Barclay schools and graduated from Temple High School in 1948. On February 19, 1950, she married the love of her life, James Lewis, and together they shared many years of marriage until his passing on March 11, 2021.

Betty Jo was a devoted worker, spending many years at the Coca-Cola plant and later with Jackson Health Care in Temple. Outside of work, she found joy in gardening, cruising, and a bit of gambling for fun. A gifted cook, she was especially known for her homemade dill pickles, which were a favorite among family and friends. She treasured her time at Wildflower House, where she delighted in spending her Bingo bucks at the Farmers Market and visiting with those around her.

She was preceded in death by her parents; her beloved husband; four sisters; one brother; and one granddaughter, Lori Honeycutt.

Those left to cherish her memory include her daughter, Debbie Corley of Temple; sons, David Lewis and wife Alice of Temple, and Donald Lewis and wife Gwendy of Austin; two sisters, Marcella Brown of Temple and Shirley Burk of Moffat; four grandchildren, Kerri Honeycutt, Austin Lewis, Matthew Corley and wife Regina, and Megan Slaven and husband Russell; eight great-grandchildren; and one great-great-grandchild.

A graveside service will be held at 12:00 p.m. Friday, January 9, 2026, at Wilson Valley Cemetery in Little River, Texas, with Joel Shumate officiating.

Visitation will be held prior to the service from 10:00 to 11:30 a.m. at Scanio-Harper Funeral Home in Temple.