Obituary
“If you are reading this, don’t cry for I am not gone but have just reached the next stage of my journey.” Betty Jane Whitmore started this journey on August 28, 1944, in Memphis, Tennessee. She and her two siblings were raised in a household rich in the love of family and God. She found her way to know God at an early age. She loved sitting and hearing the preacher preach and the choir sing, especially Lise Parker. Her favorite songs were uplifting and encouraging. Another favorite song of Betty’s was “I Never Would Have of Made It” by Marvin Sapp. She knew God’s amazing grace. She loved feeling God’s spirit and power every day. Many witnessed this as she lived her last days in the hospital. God blessed her to see Arecko, Jr., her only grandchild, and her two children Arecko Gipson and Terrell Griffin grow into fine men. One brother, Paul McKinny preceded her in death. This let her know that we are under God’s timetable, not man’s timetable. During God’s timetable, He provided her the gifts to achieve His purpose for her. Betty touched the lives of many people, family and friends. She enjoyed following her son to the basketball games of her grandson. Her spirit left this world on February 7, 2021. She leaves behind one sister, Rubystein Ingram and one brother, Marvell McKinney. One brother, Paul McKinney, preceded her in death. She also leaves her children, Arecko Gipson (Jayme) and Terrell Griffin; her beloved grandson, Arecko Gipson, Jr.; special friends, cousins, and other relatives. God blessed her to form relationships with these and others who she grew to love.She thanked God for allowing her to have them all on her life’s journey. God saw the pain she was in and He knew her body was tired, so He released her from her tired aching body and sent her on to the next leg of her journey. She would not want her loved ones to fret for her now for she is at peace. But she would want them to continue in God so that one day she will see them again.
Order of Service
Processional. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . The Family of Betty Jane Whitmore Scripture and Prayer. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Pulpit Solo . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Sister Lise Gilland Parker Words of Comfort . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Mr. Walter Casey Acknowledgments & Resolutions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Sister Sandra D. Harris Silent Reading of the Obituary The Eulogy . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Pastor Edrin L. Alexander Recessional . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .The Family of Betty Jane Whitmore ~ At the family’s request, the remains will NOT be viewed following the Eulogy. ~
Acknowledgement
Our sincere and heartfelt gratitude cannot be adequately expressed, but it is the best that we can offer. Thank you for your prayers, love, cards, understanding, and other expressions of kindness during our time of bereavement. May God bless you and continue to keep you. ~ From the family of Sister Betty J. Whitmore ~
In Loving Memory
I’d like the memory of me to be a happy one. I’d like to leave an afterglow of smiles when life is done. I’d like to leave an echo whispering softly down the ways Of happy times & laughing times & bright and sunny days. I’d like to be remembered as one that passed this way Spreading joy, cheer and sunshine each and everyday. I’d like the tears of those who grieve to dry before the sun And reflect upon happy memories I leave when life for me is done. ~Author Unknown ~
Interment
New Park Cemetery - Horn Lake 4536 Horn Lake Road s Memphis, Tennessee 38109
Services Entrusted To
N. H. Owens & Sons Funeral Home 421 Scott Street s Memphis, Tennessee 38112 s (901) 324-2116
z Program Design by Precious Memories Graphics & More, (901) 257-9124.