Bettye Jo (Fort) Rivers

It is with a heavy heart that we announce the passing of our beloved Bettye Jo Rivers, 93, also affectionately known to her grandchildren and great grandchildren as their “Bebe” who passed away peacefully on June 8, 2026 surrounded by her loved ones.

Bettye was born to Elise MacDonald and Joseph Otis Fort on February 7, 1933 in Elmodel, Georgia.

Bettye was a member of the First Baptist Church where she taught Sunday school to so many, she was also a schoolteacher who taught math and coached basketball. Bettye enjoyed oil painting, gardening and spending time with her cherished family and friends

Bettye married Lieutenant Colonel Dan Rivers, Army Chaplin, on June 7, 1953 in Lake Butler, Fl. Together they built a beautiful life and raised 3 children.

Bettye is survived by her husband Dan, her sons, Dan J. Rivers. and wife Heidi of Stephenville, TX, and Tom Rivers and wife Jennifer of Santa Fe, NM, 3 grandchildren, Jennifer England and husband Jason, Julie Walker and husband David, and Rebecca Tillery, as well as 5 great grandchildren, AJ, Nicolas, Kynsley, Stryker, and Jessie Lynn.

Bettye is preceded in death by both of her parents, her daughter Dianne Rivers, and her sister Sue Rowell.

Bettye will be missed by all who knew and loved her. 

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