Betty Jo Pruitt

A Celebration of Life for Betty Jo (Southerland) Pruitt, age 92, of Duncan, Oklahoma, will be at New Hope Baptist Church on Thursday, March 10, at 2:00 p.m. with Betty’s nephew, Pastor Randy Southerland, officiating. Inurnment will follow at Comanche Fairlawn Cemetery under the direction of Whitt Funeral Home.

Betty went to be with the Lord Thursday, March 3, 2022, at her home surrounded by her family. Betty was born on March 2, 1930, in Marlow, Oklahoma, to Lonzo and Esther (Hefley) Southerland. Betty and her husband, Jim Pruitt, raised their family in the Duncan area. Betty graduated from the Loco High School as valedictorian of the class of 1947. Betty worked at the Stephens County Courthouse after graduating high school. Later she and Jim began their career owning various restaurants in the Duncan area, including the Apco Café, Jim & Betty’s Place located in the Holiday Bowl and many years in the Stephens County Court House Snack Bar. Betty grew up in the Loco First Baptist Church with her siblings, where her mother and father were actively involved, and her father, Lonzo Southerland, served as a Deacon for some 50 years. She and Jim later joined the Liberty Baptist Church. Betty presently was a member of New Hope Baptist Church.
Betty had a great personality and never met a stranger, as she enjoyed serving people through sales and having success in all her ventures.

Every morning Betty enjoyed watching the birds outside her kitchen door as she sat and ate her breakfast. Betty looked forward to the visits from her children, grandchildren, family and friends. Those were moments that she treasured as she would reflect on them often. Those moments were priceless! Betty loved fashion and dressed to the nines. She also loved jewelry and never left home without it. She always took pride in her appearance and always greeted you with a sweet smile.

She is survived by her and Jim’s children: Ross, Randy, Pam, Sandy, Deanna, Gean Ann, Paula, Deborah Donnie, Ronnie, and their spouses; daughter-in-law, Jacquline Dyer; 20 grandchildren; 58 great-grandchildren; and 15 great-great-grandchildren. Betty is also survived by many nieces, nephews, cousins and friends that she loved dearly. SHE WILL BE GREATLY MISSED!

Preceding Betty in death was her husband, Jim Pruitt; her son, Harry Dean (Bud) Dyer; great-grandson, Kendrick Little; her parents, Lonzo and Esther Southerland; her sister, Wynema Lindesmith; and her three brothers: J.W. Southerland, D.L. Southerland and L.J. Southerland.

A special thank you is extended to Health Watch and Comforting Hands Hospice.

Memorial contributions can be made to New Hope Baptist Church, PO Box 1164, Duncan, OK 73534.

Online condolences can be made to the family at www.whittfh.com.