Betty Jo Howard

BETTY JO PLYBON HOWARD, 93, of Parkersburg, WV, passed away peacefully at her home on Monday, May 26, 2025, surrounded by her family. Born on June 28, 1931, in Huntington, WV, Betty was the beloved daughter of Rev. G. Frank Plybon Sr. and Bertha Gill Plybon. As the daughter of a Methodist minister, she spent her childhood in several communities across West Virginia. Betty graduated from Union High School and earned degrees from Morris Harvey College, Marshall University, and the University of Maryland.
She nurtured a lifelong love of learning, excelling not only in academics but mastered her talents in choral music and playing women's basketball.
Betty devoted her career to education, first as a teacher and later as the head librarian at Potomac State College in Keyser, WV. She was a longtime member of Trinity United Methodist Church in Piedmont, WV and witnessed her faith in church life through the United Methodist Women, mission work, and numerous community initiatives. Her faith in Jesus Christ was a constant and guiding force in her life.
On November 25, 1955, Betty married James W. Howard, her beloved husband of 59 years. They cherished their time together at Deep Creek Lake, always opening their doors to family and friends. Betty found joy in reading, quilting, and birdwatching - quiet pastimes that reflected her thoughtful and creative spirit.
Betty was a nurturing and beloved mother and grandmother figure to many nieces and nephews. She was deeply admired for her kindness, warmth, and unwavering faith.
Betty is survived by her sister-in-law, Marsha Plybon, and her cherished nieces and nephews: Janet Lynn Wolf (Hal), Rachel Beach (Robert), Leanna Prater (Craig), Kim Penberthy (David), Laura Plybon, Benjamin Plybon, Shaun Plybon (Mary), Bevin Plybon (Trollie), Jeremy Plybon (Jeanne), and many other beloved cousins, family members and friends.
She was preceded in death by her beloved husband, James; her parents; and her three brothers: Rev. G. Frank Plybon Jr., John W. Plybon, and Dr. Benjamin Lee Plybon.
A celebration of Betty's life will be held at Fredlock & Fenner Funeral Homes, P.A. - Oakland Chapel, 21 N 2nd St., Oakland, MD 21550, on July 19, 2025, at 1 p.m. to which family and friends are invited.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in her name to Marshall University Foundation.
The family would like to thank the hospice services of Amedisys in Parkersburg.
The Fredlock & Fenner Funeral Homes is honored to be caring for Betty's family.