Betty Jane (Bullock) Metcalf

 Betty J. Metcalf of Springfield, Mo., formerly of St. James passed away on October 3, 2019 at the Maple Wood Alzheimer Special Care Center in Springfield, Mo. She was 83 years, 3 months and 23 days of age.

Betty was born on June 10, 1936 in High Gate, Mo to her parents: Louis J. and Dovie Reynolds Bullock. She was the youngest of ten children.  

Betty was united in marriage to Thomas C. Metcalf Jr. on December 18, 2004 at Duluth, Georgia.  Tom referred to her as his “little ray of sunshine” and she called him “the love of my life.”

Betty is survived by husband: Thomas C. Metcalf Jr. of Springfield, Mo., Sons: Terry Chew of Atlanta, Ga.,and Benjamin Davis of Davisville, Mo. Daughters: Trina Davis of Park Hills, Mo., Susan Blakey and husband Gary of Ozark, Mo., and Reva Davis of Springfield, Mo. One sister-in-law: Alberta Bullock of Springfield, Mo. Five grandchildren: Jill Amos, Shuria Davis, Caitlin Winkler and husband Brandon, Caleb Davis and Hannah Cochran.  Four great-grandchildren: Parker Amos, Hunter Amos, Mason Winkler and Emersyn Winkler, along with other family and friends. 

Betty was an adventurous person who loved to meet new people, make friends and to travel. She visited her pen pal from Australia and years later traveled to Alaska, Great Britain, and France. She and Tom honeymooned in Yellowstone National Park where they braved -32 degree weather and rode snowmobiles. In her younger years she explored the countryside on her motorcycle. Whether it was teaching Sunday school, zip lining across a creek, sledding with her kids, or playing Mrs. Claus at the community center, no adventure was too big for her. She loved Princess Diana memorabilia and finding interesting items and the best deal at yard sales. Her favorite job was as a traveling licensed practical nurse with Meramec Home Health Agency. After her nursing career she worked as a parent educator. Before moving to Springfield Tom and Betty were active in the Lord’s work and worshiped at the First Church of God in St. James. Love and concern for families led her to create “God’s Special Treasures” (gift baskets for infants in need of essential items).  Betty also joined Tom in supporting work of the Gideons. 

Betty is preceded in death by her parents: Louis J. and Dovie Reynolds Bullock, sisters: Ruth Lovelace, Helen Bartle, Alice Duckworth, and May Kinsey; brothers: Edward. Everet, Jack, Leonard and Bob Bullock, along with her brother-in-laws and sister-in-laws. 

Visitation for Betty will be at 9:00 a.m. Saturday, October 5, 2019 at the First Church of God in St. James, Mo. 

Her funeral will be conducted at 10:00 a.m. Saturday, October 5, 2019 at the First Church of God in St. James with Don Carson, Gary Bartle and Mary Taylor officiating. Music will be provided by vocalist: Dave Robinson and Mitzi Daniels. Judi Bartle will be at the Piano. Pallbears will be Gary Blakey, Caleb Davis, David Bullock, Jeremy Clark and Victor Duckworth and Dennis Shields. Honorary pallbearers will be, Joyce Collins and Dave Robinson. Burial will be in the St. James Cemetery. Memorials may be given to the Gideon Foundation for purchasing Bibles.

Online condolences, gifts and flowers maybe entered at www.jonesfunerals.com

All arrangements are under the direction of the Jones Funeral Home in St. James, Mo.

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