Betty Jo Wetherington

Betty Jo Wetherington, age 84, was born to Curtis and Rosalie White on July 19, 1936. She passed away on July 18, 2021 in Bartow, Florida surrounded by her loving family. Betty is preceded in death by her parents, her daughter in Love, Renee Wetherington and son in law, Roy Dan Mitchell. Betty is survived by her loving husband Ken, of 65 years and daughters Pam Perdue Mitchell, Joy Watson, Maria Wetherington Braxton (Leon) and son Kenny Wetherington. She is also survived by her grandchildren Angie Cook (Brendon), Roy Perdue (Leslie), Jennifer Edmund (Chad), Curtis Watson, Faith and Briley Wetherington, and two great grandchildren, Brookie and Curtis Jr. and sister Ginger Bush (Ed). Betty is survived by many very close friends and extended family. Betty graduated from Summerlin Institute in 1955 where she was a member of the cheerleading squad and crowned Miss Echo. Over the years, Betty spent time visiting with classmates and planning their class reunions. After graduating, she married Ken Wetherington on September 2, 1955. A devoted wife and mother, Betty enjoyed being a homemaker raising their four children. She partnered with the McBroom family to be the first owner of Bartow Locke and Key. Betty pursued her business career by purchasing Apple Seeds Gift Shop in beautiful, historical downtown Bartow. Apple Seeds was her passion for 20 years, giving her the opportunity to enjoy time with all the people who visited her shop. After selling Apple Seeds, Betty and Ken had more time to spend visiting their vacation homes in Anna Maria Island and Roan Mountain, Tennessee. Betty was a member of the First United Methodist Church of Bartow. She enjoyed being part of her church family and when she couldn’t attend, learned to watch services online. The entire Wetherington family along with Betty, were involved with 4-H and FFA, where she organized and was a leader of the first imperial 4-H club. A longtime member of the Polk County Youth Fair, gave Betty a opportunity to share her love of Home economics and Agriculture. Betty enjoyed fresh and salt water fishing a love she got from her parents. She treasured many family trips to Pine Island with her children and grandchildren. If someone said, “Do you want to go?”, Betty was in the car, ready to go. She cherished every second of family gatherings and little vacations. The Wetherington Family will receive friends and family at Whidden-McLean Funeral Home, Bartow, FL on Thursday, July 22, 2021 from 5:00 pm – 7:00 pm. Services will be held on Friday, July 23, 2021 at 11:00 am at First United Methodist Church, Bartow, FL. Donations can be made to First United Methodist Church, 310 S. Broadway Ave, Bartow FL 33830. Condolences to the family at www.WhiddenMcleanfuneralhome.com