Betty Stokes Thompson, age 91, passed away on February 18, 2022, at her
home surrounded by her loving family.
She was born in Joplin on September 23, 1930. She was the daughter of Otho and Leona Stokes. Betty graduated from Joplin High School in 1948. She was involved in
many school activities including cheerleading, theatre, choir and
National Honor Society. She remained active playing tennis and golf and
enjoying camping with family and friends. Betty also had sales
experience at JC Penneys, Sears and Wayside Furniture.
On March 4, 1949, Betty married Harold Thompson in Joplin, Missouri.
They made their first home in Springfield, Missouri, where Harold
attended Southwest Missouri State. Upon Harold’s graduation they moved
to Commerce, Oklahoma, for his first teaching job. In 1951, they moved
back to Joplin and lived there the rest of their marriage of 63 years.
Betty was active at Forest Park Baptist Church for many years. She
directed the graded choirs, sang in the adult choir, taught Sunday
school and helped in the youth department. One of her favorite
ministries for 10 years, was cooking the Wednesday evening meal for 200
people at the church. Betty’s love of cooking extended to large family
dinners. Later they were members of Webb City First Baptist Church for
several years.
Betty is survived by two sisters, Joan Harvey of Parker, Colorado, and
Janine Stokes of Shawnee Mission, Kansas; two daughters, Beth Routledge
and Kathy Adams and husband Jim of Joplin; one son, Chuck Thompson and
his wife Janet of Webb City, Missouri; 10 grandchildren and 22
great-grandchildren. In addition to her parents, a sister, Eulah
Gollhofer, and a brother, Tod Stokes, preceded Betty in death.
The family would like to thank the private caregivers and Avalon Hospice
for the wonderful care they gave our mother.
Services will be at 11 a.m. Wednesday at Forest Park Baptist Church.
Visitation will be from 10 to 11 a.m. Wednesday at the church. Graveside
service will follow at Ozark Memorial Park Cemetery. In lieu of flowers
memorial contributions may be made to Gideon International.