Betty Jean Crippen

CARBONDALE- Betty Jean Crippen, 94, passed away surrounded by her family on Sunday, November 27, 2022, at Memorial Hospital of Carbondale.

Betty was born on February 24, 1928, in Ullin, Illinois, to James F. and Marie (Harmon) Goins. After returning from service in WWII, George Crippen captivated the young and beautiful Betty Goins. They were soon engaged and married on June 8, 

1947, in Mounds, IL. Their love flourished for the next 60 years.

Betty is survived by two sons, Steven (Sheila) Crippen and their son Scott Wright of Carterville; Larry (Gina) Crippen of Mooresville, NC and their sons Kevin Crippen of Kannapolis, NC and Clay (McKenzie) Crippen of Fuquay Varina, NC and daughter in law Joyce (William) Crippen, her sons Eric (Debbie) Crippen and Jay (Billie) Crippen all of Carbondale. She is also survived by her great grandchildren Taylor, Jordyn, Noah, Chloe, Hudson, and Foster.

She was preceded in death by her parents, George Crippen, her husband, William Crippen, her son and four brothers and two sisters.

Betty was born and raised in Olmstead, Illinois. She attended and graduated high school in Mounds City. She was a faithful member of First United Methodist Church in four different communities. Betty loved to serve her church; be it in the kitchen, at the Welcome Center or as part of the Asburian ladies who sent out the church newsletter. Betty was a Life Member of Beta Sigma Phi Sorority and was crowned Sweetheart one year, while a member in the Ocala chapter. Betty and George enjoyed boating on Crab Orchard Lake while living in Southern Illinois. She was always involved in all types of arts and craft, with painting being her favorite. Betty loved to entertain whether it be on the houseboat, at a ski tournament, at tailgates, or in her home. Her friends and family always enjoyed her love of cooking and basically “food was love” to Betty Crippen. Betty learned to golf at the age of 50!

Upon retirement, she and George moved to Ocala, Florida and became avid golfers. She was so proud of her accomplishment of a Hole-In-One! They also served as Marshals at the Oldsmobile Classic golf tournaments at Disney World. While Betty and George lived at the Top of The World community, they were active on the Entertainment Committee and planned dances and golf events. Betty loved to travel. She and George vacationed and visited 49 of our 50 states.

Her grandchildren were her pride and joy. She and George were quick to travel to Illinois and North Carolina to help with the grandkids. Betty shared her gifts of kindness, love of family, joy of cooking, and love of life with them.

Services for Betty Jean will be held on Sunday, December 4, 2022 at First United Methodist Church, 214 West Main in Carbondale, IL with Pastors Rose Booker-Jones and Alan Rhein officiating. Visitation will begin at 1:00 pm with the funeral service at 2:00 pm.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to First United Methodist Church of Carbondale.

Meredith Funeral Home in Carbondale assisted the family with arrangements.

To leave a story or memory of Betty visit www.meredithfh.com.