Betty Stewart

Betty Jo (Real) Stewart, Uvalde, TX passed from this earthly realm on March 3, 2019.  Born August 9, 1940 in a squad car en route to the hospital in Chicago, Betty Jo was immediately placed for adoption.  Eagerly awaiting the responsibility of raising this as-yet unmet infant, were Betty LaVerne and Chester Earl Real of Clarendon Hills, Illinois.  Having declined any wait-and-see time frame, the adoption was finalized and Betty Jo came home with the Reals at the age of 1 week.  When Betty Jo was in 3rd grade, the little family made a move to a small, crime-free town in the Ozark Mountains, Booneville, Arkansas, where Betty Jo grew up, graduated high school and met the love of her life.  Whenever she referred to "home", it was Booneville she was speaking of.  During this interval of time, when Betty Jo was about 11, the Reals adopted a little 7 year old boy who had been the product of the state welfare system.  Choosing his own name, David, after the Biblical character, and Earl after his new Dad, David had never been to school and had no reading, math or other academic skills.  He did know though, that for the first time ever, he had unrestricted access to a refrigerator full of wholesome food, his own warm bed, closet of clean clothes, toys, bicycles, skates and things that all other "normal" kids had.  However, of all the new found blessings in David's life, the one he cherished most, by far, was his new big sister who he absolutely adored.  Since David dearly loved Betty Jo, and since Betty Jo loved Betty Jo, there was an immediate agreement of the minds.  A highly successful entrepreneur, David preceded her in death in 2001.  His wife, Elvira Real, now resides in Bogota, Colombia.  During her Junior year, Betty Jo met a young man, JW "Dub" Stewart who was home from the Air Force visiting his parents in Booneville.  They both fell head over heels in love with each other, and were married August 15, 1958.  Till death ended their relationship of over 55 years, it was a given, if you saw one, the other wasn't far away.  Usually holding hands or exchanging private, knowing grins, they were incredibly close.  The love of her life preceded her in death in December 2013.  Betty Jo is survived by 2 children, Kim of Lubbock and Eddie of Uvalde.  Also surviving are 5 adorable grandchildren, Autumn (and husband JR Hurst of Pearsall), Sunnie Stewart (Corpus Christi), Sarah (and husband Henry Plavets of San Antonio), Jordan Stewart (and wife Sarah of Pearsall), and Lanie Stewart (Lubbock).  Two great grandchildren complete the lineage of Betty Jo and JW, a great grandson, Weston Lynn Hurst and great granddaughter, Zailey Brooke Hurst.  One of the happy, happy bonus notes that much be included for completion, is the location of the half sister of Betty Jo.  Born to the same birth mother, Betty Jo located Donna (and her husband David Hard) in 1993.  It did not take them long to bond as they carried so many identical likes/dislikes.  Physically they had little resemblance, but when they were together, "Dub" and David would often just shake their heads, the 2 sisters were so much alike.  As per Betty Jo's wishes, her cremains will be united with those of her beloved "Dub's" and taken for interment to Booneville at the appropriate time.  A celebration of life is scheduled at the Getty St. Church of Christ on Saturday, March 23, 2019 at 10:00 a.m.  In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to Christian Relief Fund, PO Box 19670, Amarillo, TX  79114 (www.christianrelieffund.org).