Josephine “Jo” Leta Betts passed from this earth on May 16, 2017 at the Union County Nursing Home in Blairsville, Georgia. She was born May 5, 1923 in Gap Creek, Kentucky to the late James “Doc” and Gertie (Guffey) Massengale.
A dedicated wife, mother, grandmother and great-grandmother, Jo lived her adult life in New Castle and moved to Murphy, North Carolina with her husband in 2003. She was a dedicated member of the Church of the Nazarene and retired from the former Turtle Creek Nursing Home after 23 years of service. She was an avid gardener and loved cooking for family and friends.
She is survived by her children, Betty Jo (Vernon) Scharer and James Harold (Kathy) Betts, four grandchildren, Shane (Stephanie) Betts, Dara (Daren) Sexton, Rev. James Daniel Betts and Tonya Scharer, five great-grandchildren, Savannah Grace “Gracie” Betts, Daniel Betts, Cayden Sexton, Hannah, Christopher, and Brittany Scharer, and several nieces and nephews.
In addition to her parents, Josephine was preceded in death by her husband of 60 years Harold Betts, sisters, Belva Bell, Elba Neal, Joanne Neal, brother, Elmer “Bud” Massengale, granddaughter, Dawn Christopher, and niece Elaine Carnes.
Visitation will be from 4 – 8 p.m. Friday, May, 19 2017 at Hinsey-Brown Funeral Service in New Castle. Services will be at 10:00 a.m. Saturday, May 20 at the funeral home with Rev. James Betts and Rev. Max Downs officiating. Graveside service will follow at South Mound Cemetery. You may express condolences or share a memory of Josephine at
www.hinsey-brown.com