Betty Joann Alverson

Betty Joann Alverson passed away peacefully on Thursday, November 24, 2022 at her home in Green Valley, AZ. Just shy of her 91st birthday, Betty was born to Raymond and Myrtle Shappard on December 12, 1931 in Kankakee, IL. She was a devoted and loving wife to Lyle G. Alverson for 53 years. She is survived by her four children, Sandra Kay Calabrese (Anthony Calabrese), Michael Ray Alverson (Virginia Alverson), Debra Sue Neff (Larry Neff), and Mark Alan Alverson (Kathy Joann Alverson). Betty was preceded in death by her husband, Lyle, her four sisters, Norma, Doris, Corene and Imogene, her brother, James, and her grandson, Joshua Justus. She was a long-time Florida resident prior to moving to Green Valley, AZ in 2017, but also lived in Illinois, Georgia, and Iowa throughout the course of her life. Betty was a doting grandmother and affectionately known as “Granny” to her eight grandchildren—Geoffrey, Samantha (Adam), Brandon (Karen), Courtney (Michael), Jared (Natalie), Joshua Justus, Lisa Marie (Edgar), and Krissy. Eventually, she became a proud great-grandmother to Ethan, Alyrica, Bryce, Felix, and Donovan. Betty was also eagerly anticipating the expected arrival of her second great-granddaughter next March. Baby, her Blue Point Siamese of over 12 years, brought her joyful companionship and great comfort during the later part of her life. Betty took great pride in her family and embraced her roles as a devoted and loving wife, sister, aunt, mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother. Her love was best expressed through her warm hugs, easy laugh, and unbeatable home-cooked meals. In addition to an active family life, she spent many years working in service to veterans at the V.A. Hospitals (VCS) in Dublin, GA and Knoxville, IA. During retirement, Betty became an avid reader and crossword puzzle enthusiast. She indulged herself in the enjoyment of caring for (and spoiling) her grandchildren. Betty was deeply loved and will be profoundly missed. At her request, there will be no viewing or immediate service. A graveside commemorative service is being planned for a later date next summer. Her ashes will be laid to rest beside her husband at Sunset Memorial Park in Danville, IL.