Betty Jo Draper

Betty Jo Draper passed away December 1, 2016, surrounded by her family, at her home in Norman, Oklahoma. She was born on October 26, 1929 in Degnan, Oklahoma to Horton T. Ellis and Ida Edith Gabera Ellis. Betty was the fifth of eleven children. She worked as a Telephone Operator in Wilburton and then transferred to Southwestern Bell in Oklahoma City. She married Richard Draper on July 31, 1948. They were married for 51 years. Together they were the proud parents of four children and they raised them in a strong, loving, Christian home. Betty told others how her people taught them love, respect, always be on time, and morals which she was always grateful for. Betty was a fiercely independent woman who enjoyed gardening, quilting, and sewing. Most importantly she was a godly woman and a loving mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother. She was a member of Franklin Baptist Church for over 60 years. Betty’s witness for God would be, “Believe, accept, trust, and obey. Never leave God out of your life.”

She is preceded in death by her parents, Horton and Ida Ellis; her husband, Richard Draper; son, Robert Draper; twin granddaughters, Krystal Gail and Stephanie Renee; brothers, Billy Charles, Horton Ellis Jr., Leroy Ellis, and Raymond Ellis; and sisters, Louine Clayborn and Virginia Brady.

She is survived by her children, Richard Draper and wife Angela of Norman, Roy Draper of Norman, and Renee Simpson and husband Lynn of Norman; her grandchildren, Brandy Higginbottom, Jenny (Kenneth) Fullwood, Melanie (Michael) Meiser, Kendra Draper, Chelsee Holiday, Larry (Sabrina) Williams, Nathan Mullins, Chance (Valerie) Stinnett, and Megan Stinnett; 22 great-grandchildren; sisters, Patricia (James) Garris, Mary Ann (Bob) Kent, and Iva Jean Easley; and brother, Harry (Sharon) Ellis; sister-in-law’s: Martha Jean Kennicutt, Joann Harris.

Services will be held at Primrose Funeral Service Chapel on Monday, December 5 at 2:00 p.m. Burial will follow at Blackburn Cemetery. Pastor Brent Parsons will officiate.

In lieu of flowers, you may make a donation in Betty’s name to Franklin Baptist Church, 7327 E Franklin Rd, Norman, OK 73026.