Bettye Lois (Reeves) Umbarger

Bettye Lois Reeves Umbarger, longtime resident of the Somerville Community, retired employee of the Tennessee Department of Human Services and wife of James Arthur Umbarger departed this life Sunday afternoon, June 3, 2012 at the National Health Care Center in Somerville where she had been a resident for eight months. She was 75 years of age and died following an extended illness.

Services of Remembrance for Mrs. Umbarger were conducted at 2 P.M. Tuesday, June 5th the Peebles Main Funeral Chapel in Somerville. The officiating ministers were Bro. Freddie Clifft of the Shady Grove Baptist Church and Bro. David Reeves of the Midway Baptist Church. Interment followed in the Evergreen Cemetery at Williston. Arrangements were provided by Peebles Fayette County Funeral Homes and Cremation Center – Main Chapel of Somerville.

Mrs. Umbarger was born November 2, 1936 in Somerville. She was preceded in death by her parents, Roy Reeves and Nonnie Lois Parrott Reeves, early residents of the Williston Community. She received her education in the Fayette County Public School System and was a graduate of the Fayette County High School in Somerville, class of 1954. She continued her education at the Memphis School of Commerce, where she obtained her Business Degree.

She was married November 10, 1957 to James Arthur Umbarger, retired Fayette County Farmer, Landowner and Funeral Home employee, who survives. Mrs. Umbarger served as a Social Worker for the Tennessee Department of Human Services in Somerville for 42 years before her retirement 9 years ago. She was a longtime member of the Williston United Methodist Church and a lifelong resident of Fayette County.

Mrs. Umbarger will be remembered for her kind mannerisms and concern for others. Her interests included flowers, gardening, preparing food for family and friends and participating in numerous community and church activities. She was an avid reader and was a devoted daughter, wife, mother, grandmother and friend to many. She adored being with her beloved granddaughter who brought much joy to her life.

In addition to her husband, Mrs. Umbarger is survived by her son, James L. “Jimmy” Umbarger (Marybeth) of Somerville; her brother, Royce Reeves (Joan) of Somerville; and her granddaughter, Sophie Umbarger of Somerville.

Those honored to serve as casketbearers were Max Burch, Charles Blackwell, Randy Walk, Ken Reeves, Steve Reeves and Bailey Kissner.

The family requests that memorials be directed to the Evergreen Cemetery Association, c/o Betty Burch, 6975 Highway 76 South, Somerville, TN 38068.