Bettye Jo Baldwin

Bettye Jo Baldwin

My grandma, Bettye Jo Baldwin, lived her life with quiet strength and endless care for the people she loved. She was born on November 23, 1927, in Muskogee, Oklahoma, and grew up on a family farm that taught her the values of hard work, faith, and family principles she carried with her for over 97 years. She was proud of her Oklahoma roots and often talked of her Cherokee heritage, something she held close to her heart.

Even in her final month, she was still cooking dinner, sitting outside to feel the sunshine, walking through the house, and helping with the dogs. She never stopped giving her love in small, everyday ways, always moving, always showing up, always taking care of the people around her.

Grandma raised two children and adored her two granddaughters, who will always remember how safe and loved she made us feel. She taught us to read when we were little, sitting side by side with Dick and Jane books until every word came out right. She was patient and proud, always turning simplicity into a lifelong memory.

She had a laugh that filled every corner of the house. When she got going, she'd laugh until she cried, tears streaming down her face as everyone else joined in. And when one of us tried to fib, she'd hold up her thumb and say, "Tell it to the thumb," before breaking into that same laugh again.

In her final years at just about 5'1", Grandma was small, but her strength could hold up a whole family. She cooked every day, rubbed our backs before bed, made hot tea with lemon when we were sick, and somehow knew exactly what each person needed. Her kitchen always smelled like love, something cooking, something warm, something safe.

Her faith guided her every step. She admired the women of Esther and Proverbs 31 who were strong, wise, and full of grace, and she lived those same values, not through words, but through how she treated everyone around her.

Grandma will be remembered for her warmth, her laughter, and her strength that never faded. She gave love in a way that was steady, simple, and pure through kindness and care that never wavered.

Her hands may rest now, but her love will never stop holding us.

Preceded in death by her husband, William K. Baldwin.

Survived by William Baldwin, Jill Baker, Briana Baldwin, and Alexandra Baldwin.

This was written by her granddaughter, who she lovingly called "Cookie."