Betty Jo Hocker

Betty Jo was the beloved wife of Jack Hocker, with whom she shared 72 years of marriage. Their love and devotion to one another was a beautiful example of a lifelong partnership. Betty Jo was a loving and devoted mother to Robin Posada, Kelly (Marc) Stolman, Kerry Hocker, Timothy (Leslie) Hocker, and Andrew (Kimberly) Hocker. She was a cherished grandmother to Greg (Caitlyn) Posada, Scott (Jessica) Posada, Eric Posada, Erin (Jordan) Macocha, Nicholas Hocker, Chad, Larry, Bryan, and Eva. She was a proud great-grandmother to Oliver Posada, Ozzy Posada, Liam Posada, and Violet Quinn Macocha. She is also survived by many nieces, nephews, extended family and close friends. Betty Jo was preceded in death by her sister, Florence Ellen Wilcoxon and cousin, Barbara Jean Fleming.

Betty Jo had a wonderful sense of humor and was typically smiling and laughing. She had a warm, welcoming spirit and a genuine kindness toward everyone she met. She was the epitome of grace, strength, goodwill, generosity and compassion.

Betty Jo was also a woman of many talents and interests. She was an excellent cook and truly enjoyed preparing meals for her family and friends. She loved to sing and dance. She shared her musical gifts as a member at the church choir and as the piano and organ player at her church, Warren Woods Baptist. Over the years both Betty Jo and Jack avidly participated in the numerous holiday cantatas and choir performances at Warren Woods Baptist Church and more recently at St. Thomas Community Presbyterian Church where they had become members. Betty Jo was also an excellent seamstress. Through the years she made and mended clothes for her family, she quilted and also created special costumes for her daughters to wear in a musical production in Israel. She enjoyed playing cards, mahjong, completing crossword puzzles, and, most of all, reading. Betty Jo was an avid reader who could go through books remarkably quickly and was rarely without something to read.

Her intelligence and love of learning were evident throughout her life. Betty Jo earned her bachelor's degree from Franklin College, where she was a member of the Delta Zeta sorority. She went on to work as a trainer, supervisor, manager and technical writer for Indiana Bell, Michigan Bell and Electronic Data Systems (EDS). Betty Jo had an excellent grasp of the English language and loved to write. She was a highly dedicated and accomplished professional who took pride in her work.

Betty Jo, a grand, elegant lady, had a deep and abiding faith. She became a believer in Jesus Christ at the age of 13 and was a devoted parishioner at Warren Woods Baptist Church for more than 40 years. She had a love for infants and children, and this was reflected in her work in the church nursery and other church programs. Throughout the years she ministered to many, including family and friends all over the country, with timely notes, cards and letters acknowledging them at various and key times of their lives. God graced Betty Jo with the gift of hospitality. Many enjoyed this gift through the numerous parties, family dinners and church events in which she hosted and participated. She welcomed her children’s friends and oftentimes provided them with holiday meals, creating a sense of belonging. Her faith was an important integral part of her life and was reflected in her unconditional love and keen wisdom.

Family and friendship meant everything to Betty Jo. She was very close to her family, including her sister and her in-laws, and treasured the many lifelong relationships she formed over the years. She was blessed with close friendships that endured for decades and remained an important part of her life. Betty Jo loved her grandchildren deeply and she was grateful to watch them grow and build lives of their own. As of late, her passion was to watch her great-grandchildren grow, be with her husband, Jack, and spend time with her children.

Betty Jo and Jack lived life with decidedness and purpose and created many wonderful memories together. They cherished their cottage on Hubbard Lake, a place Betty Jo loved dearly. They also very much enjoyed spending time in their home in Venice, Florida, where they spent more than 30 winters as snowbirds. These years were filled with sunshine, friendships, family, and countless happy memories.

The family will honor Betty Jo Hocker and they invite you to join them, visit and share memories on Wednesday, September 9, 2026, from 9:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. at Warren Woods Baptist Church, 14251 12 Mile Road, Warren, Michigan 48088. Funeral service will then follow at 11:00 a.m. at Warren Woods Baptist Church. Pastor Clayton Knight will officiate.

Memorial contributions may be made to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital or Residential Hospice, 5440 Corporate Drive, Suite 100, Troy, Michigan 48098.