The fourth of nine children born to Tom and Lulamae Darnell Secoy, Betty Jo Secoy Carter Archie was born on February 12, 1935, in Caruthersville, MO.  She departed this world for her heavenly home on January 8, 2023, in Missouri Delta Medical Center at the age of 87 years.

Betty married Kenneth Carter on July 25, 1952.  He preceded her in death in 1989.  They were the parents of Alan Dale Carter who passed away on March 28, 2012, and Regina Kay (Dick) Wilburn of Lebanon, MO.  Betty has four grandsons:  Josh (Jada) Carter of Sikeston, MO; Elliot (Jolee) Wilburn of Lebanon, MO; Tyler (Tera) Wilburn of Lebanon, MO; Austin (Lu) Wilburn of Encino, CA.  She was blessed with 8 grandchildren:  Landon Carter, Joshua Carter, Olivia Carter, Brady Wilburn, Titan Wilburn, Deacon Wilburn, and Sloan and Klaus Wilburn.

On March 17, 2000, Betty married Billy Archie who survives of the home.  This union brought her two step-children:  Tonya Hartsell and Jonathan Archie; and two step-grandchildren.

Betty was a member of Elm Street Baptist Church.  She could always be counted on to bring delicious dishes to any church pot-luck.  Her dumplings and dressing were favorites wherever she took them, especially the Secoy Thanksgiving get-togethers.

The job Betty loved best was caring for her home and family.  She loved kids and could always be counted on to open her arms to nieces and nephews who needed a babysitter.  She would spoil those kids, no matter how old they were, like they were her own.

Betty's "outside the home" jobs included volunteering as a foster grandparent for many years in the fourth grade at Martin Elementary School.  She also worked at Huck's and the East Prairie Nursing Center.  Just ask any of the residents who lived at the center during her time there who made the best mashed potatoes, and Betty would get the vote.  Her cakes and pies were favorites, too.  Whatever her job, she performed it well and with a smile and cheerful attitude.

Preceded in death by her first husband, parents, and son, Betty was also preceded by her brothers:  Tommy Secoy, Jerry Secoy, and Raymond Secoy; her sister, Jeane Secoy Bowman.  She is survived by her brothers: Larry Secoy of Dogwood and Billy (Naomi) Secoy of St. Louis; two sisters: Sue Fox of Sikeston and Pat (Joe) Helms of East Prairie; sister-in-law, Maxine Secoy of East Prairie.  She is also survived by many nephews, nieces, and cousins who loved her dearly.

Visitation will be Thursday, January 12, 2023, from 10 a.m. until time of service at 1 p.m. at Shelby Funeral Home in East Prairie with Bro. Jon Archie officiating.  Pallbearers will be her grandsons:  Elliot Wilburn, Tyler Wilburn, Brady Wilburn, Josh Carter, Landon Carter, and Joshua Carter.  Burial will follow in the Dogwood Cemetery.