Betty Jean McCoy, age 97, of Carthage, Missouri, passed away on June 12, 2026. She was born on October 21, 1928, in Terre Haute, Indiana and lived a long life marked by love, faith, generosity, and devoted service to others. She grew up during the Great Depression with hardships that would forever shape her perspective on life.
When Betty was barely four years old, her father lost his job, and a difficult decision was made. She and her six siblings were placed in Chauncey Rose Orphan’s Home. Two years later, she would be the only sibling to be adopted. Betty remembered her time at the orphanage vividly. Memories shared with her siblings when they reunited as adults.
As a child, Betty’s family moved frequently. She often told stories that ranged from life on the farm with a one-room school to life in a large city, always seeing the positives in every situation. Through her struggles and difficulties in childhood, Betty learned to not only be resilient, but to have compassion, to value others, and to count her blessings. She credited her mother for introducing her to a faith that would be her anchor through life.
Betty attended Ball State University after graduating high school. She was also a veteran, proudly serving her country as a med tech in the U.S. Navy during the Korean War. Betty married the love of her life, James Davilee “Dave” McCoy, on August 17, 1952, in Columbus, Indiana, and together they shared 72 years of love and life until his passing on March 30, 2025. As a loving wife and mother, she provided not only a nurturing home but an example of how to live a life full of purpose and gratitude.
A faithful Christian, Betty was a member of the First Christian Church in Carthage. Her faith was her guiding light in life, and she supported many ministries over the years. She found joy in living out her beliefs through quiet acts of kindness, encouragement, and compassion. She was a sweet, faith-filled, generous woman with an unexpected quick-wit and sense of humor. Her presence brought comfort, warmth and joy to those around her.
Betty will be remembered for her gentle spirit, her words of wisdom, that touch of orneriness and sense of joy for life, her steadfast devotion to God and family, and her passion to build up others with humility and grace. Her life reflected the values she held dear, and her memory will remain a source of comfort and inspiration to all who loved her.
Betty Jean McCoy is survived by her children, Debi Morgan of Carthage, Missouri; Karen Maynard and her husband Greg of Buffalo, Missouri; David Keith McCoy of Joplin, Missouri; Cheryl Bryant and her husband Jeff of Springfield, Missouri; and her daughter-in-law, Linda McCoy of Warrensburg, Missouri. She also leaves behind her grandchildren, Whitney Brown, Andrew Morgan, Matt Maynard, Forrest Maynard, Sarah Maynard, Sara Bell, William Bell, and Annie McCoy, along with 12 great-grandchildren who brought her great joy. She is also survived by her brother, Richard Bear and his wife Doris; and several nieces, nephews, and extended family members and friends who will cherish her memory. She was preceded in death by her husband, Dave McCoy; her son, Mike McCoy; her parents, Earl M. Bear and Ruth (Lamson) Bear Armstrong; her sisters, Gertrude Shower, Erma Knuth, Dorothy Bryan; and her brothers, Charles Allan, Claude Allan, and George Allan.
Memorial services will be held at 10:30 am, on Saturday, June 27, 2026, at Knell Mortuary, Carthage. The family will receive friends from 10:00 am until service time. Memorial gifts are suggested to Shiloh Christian Children’s Ranch or Ozark Food Harvest in care of Knell Mortuary. Online condolences may be expressed through www.knellmortuary.com. Arrangements are under the direction and personal care of Knell Mortuary.
