Betty Jo Dover, 93, died Wednesday September 23, 2026, at Baptist Hospital in Paducah, Kentucky.
Betty Jo was a resident of Misty Meadows Senior Living Center in Metropolis, Illinois, and formerly of Karnak, Illinois.
She was born July 23, 1933 in Karnak. After briefly moving to Chicago where she worked as a secretary and a licensed cosmetologist, she and her husband, Dewey “Junior” Dover, eventually returned to their hometown of Karnak to live among their many friends and family members.
In Karnak, Betty Jo was a homemaker and, most often, a caregiver to her nieces and nephews and their children. She loved her sisters’ children and grandchildren as if they were her own. She and Junior were always there for support during all their families’ happy times, and times of grief.
Her love of music found her always singing, usually a hymn or a classic country tune. Family gatherings weren’t complete without a song or “Happy Birthday” sang in perfect harmony with her two sisters. She and Junior were also known for their fun times on the dance floor doing the Jitterbug or The Stroll. If not cooking and baking for the family, or for a community event, you would often find Betty Jo socializing with friends over a cup of coffee. Closest to her heart, however, were the days she shared with Junior in their lawn chairs chatting and visiting with friends and family.
Betty Jo was a life-long Christian and often shared her faith and love for her Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. Her legacy of love, compassion, and dedication to Christ will continue to inspire and uplift all who knew her.
Betty Jo Dover was preceded in death by her parents, Van and Pearl Dungey; her husband Dewey Dover, Jr.; sisters Shirley Dover and Patsy Puperi; brother Van Dungey, Jr.; niece Tina McClellan; and nephews James C. Dover, Jr. and Stanley Dover.
Surviving are immediate family members: niece Vanessa Reeves (Terry) of Metropolis; dear friend and long-time family member Randy McClellan (Kay) of Karnak; great-niece Tiffany Reagor (Josh) of Karnak; great-nephew James McClellan (Amanda) of Grand Chain, IL; great-nephew Adam Riley (Sarah); great-great nieces McKenzie Reagor, Taran Reagor, Saylor Riley, Annabelle McClellan, and Gracie McClellan; great-great nephews Noah McClellan, Corban McClellan, Elijah McClellan, Caleb McClellan, Henry Riley, and Jack Riley.
Funeral services will be held Tuesday September 29, 2026 at Wilson Funeral Home in Karnak, Illinois. Visitation will begin at 10:00 AM, followed by services at 11:00 AM. Burial will follow at the Cypress Cemetery in Cypress, Illinois.
To leave an on-line message for the family or to share a memory, you can also visit our website at www.wilsonfuneralhome1928.com