Betty Allen Dees , 98, of Gainesville, Florida, passed away peacefully in her sleep on June 12, 2020. Betty was born in Barboursville, West Virginia to Eula and Edley Allen on January 20, 1922. Betty is a graduate of Barboursville High School and the Army Administrative School. She served proudly for four years in the Women’s Army Corps. as a Technician 5th Grade being Honorably Discharged on December 21, 1945. Betty was employed as a bookkeeper by Merrill’s Hardware in St. Petersburg, Florida before retiring to become a loving wife and mother. Betty was involved in the activities of the United Methodist Women of Wesley United Methodist Church and enjoyed watching Florida Gator football.
Betty is preceded in death by her husband B. Bill who she married on February 27, 1955 and is survived by her son William R. Dees of Gainesville, Florida. Betty is also survived by many beloved nieces, nephews and family including John Allen of Birmingham, Alabama; Aleen Dees, of Monroeville, Alabama; Edward Allen of Chandler, Arizona; Patricia Klingburg of Gilbert, Arizona; Annyce Allen of Ormond Beach, Florida; Nancy Padgett of Pinellas Park, Florida; Karen Wilks of Noblesville, Indiana; Anne Stevens of Pittsburg, Pennsylvania; Suzanne Crabtree of Nashville, Tennessee; Linda Chapman, Becky Baldwin and Jim Allen all of Barboursville, West Virginia and special friends Fred and Deborah McCray, Tony Easom and An Nguyen of Gainesville, Florida and all of her friends at Wesley United Methodist Church.
Visitation will be held at Forest Meadows Funeral Home on Thursday, June 18, 2020 from 5:00pm-7:00pm. Funeral service will be held at Forest Meadows Chapel on June 19, 2020 at 10:00 am with Reverend Sarah McIntosh of Wesley United Methodist Church officiating. Burial will follow at Royal Palms Cemetery in St. Petersburg, Florida. Arrangements are under the care of Forest Meadows Funeral Home (352) 378-2528.
In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to Wesley United Methodist Church, 826 Northwest 23rd Avenue, Gainesville, Florida 32609.
She was my favorite aunt, like a second mother to me. As a child she entertained my sister and me many times on family vacations to Florida. She always made it fun for us and we have many precious memories with her. We will miss her. She was an exceptional lady, always pleasant and such a great sense of humor. Love you BJ.
And she was my favorite mom…
I am so sorry about the death of Betty!! She was such a beloved person for anyone she met. Especially at Wesley United Methodist Church. She will definitely be missed by all that knew her!!!
God Bless the Dees family and friends!!
We will all miss Betty. Wesley has lost one of our faithful servants. Blessings to the Dee’s family.
Donna Weseman