A graveside service for Mrs. Betty Jo Duckworth, age 92, of Carthage, TX, will be held at 10 a.m. on Wednesday, June 27, 2012, at Odd Fellows Cemetery in Carthage with Rev. Keefe Cropper officiating under the direction of Jimerson-Lipsey Funeral Home. The family will receive friends from 6-8 p.m. on Tuesday at the funeral home. Mrs. Duckworth passed away on Monday morning, June 25, 2012, in Carthage.

Josie Elizabeth "Betty" Duckworth was born on Oct. 14, 1919, in Carthage, TX to George Robert and Mary Jewel Page Rowland. She graduated from Carthage High School with the class of 1937. Mrs. Duckworth married Howell Edgar Duckworth on Dec. 5, 1937, in Shreveport and he preceded her in death on Oct. 22, 1970. She was a longtime member of the Carthage Book Club, was very involved in the PTA, and worked for the Panola General Hospital Auxiliary where she served as treasurer. She was devoted to her family, friends, and church. Mrs. Duckworth lived her lifetime in Carthage and was a member of the First United Methodist Church where she attended the Carter Circle and the Upper Room Sunday School Class. She was also preceded in death by her parents; one brother, Don Robert "Buddy" Rowland; one sister, Mary Catherine Rowland "Tissie" Castle; and one great-grandchild, Jimi Lea Anderson.

Mrs. Duckworth is survived by her daughter, Donna Anderson and husband Bobby of Carthage; her son, Rowland Duckworth and wife Renee of Carthage; six grandchildren, Bob Anderson, Joey Anderson and wife Debra, Mike Anderson and wife Angela, Tobi Duckworth and wife Tasha, Brin Ritter and husband Jameson, and Eric Duckworth and wife Kaycee; seven great-grandchildren, Kaleb Anderson and wife Haley, Josie, Sarah, Sam, and Emily Anderson, Kinsley and Brylee Duckworth, and Callen Ritter; one great-grandchild and one great-great grandchild on the way; two step-great-grandchildren, Max Stewart and Cassidy McGee; nephew, Don Rowland and wife Helen and their children; niece, Kay McDaniel and husband Gary and their children; nephew, Tom Duckworth; and niece LeAnne Worsham and husband Tommy.

The family would like to express their heartfelt thanks to the wonderful caregivers for Mrs. Duckworth and the staff and nurses of Marian Place in Carthage.

Serving as pallbearers are Bob Anderson, Joey Anderson, Mike Anderson, Tobi Duckworth, Eric Duckworth, Jameson Ritter, Kaleb Anderson, and Sam Anderson.

If desired, memorials may be made to the First United Methodist Church, Children's Building, 201 S. Shelby, Carthage, TX 75633 or to the Marian Place Education Fund, 1690 NE Loop 59, Carthage, TX 75633.

A guestbook may be signed online at www.jimerson-lipsey.com.