Betty Willis Westcott was called to her heavenly home Dec. 16, 2016 by her Savior and Lord. "God's Holy Spirit raised her up, so she could stand on mountains; He raised her up to walk on stormy seas;  She was strong when she was on His shoulders; He raised her up to more than she could be. Strength and dignity are her clothing and her position is strong and secure; And she smiles at the future [knowing that she and her family are prepared when they are clothed in the righteous of Christ]. Proverbs 31:25(AMP)

Betty, born July 30, 1928, was a descendent of Bay County Pioneers Charles Capers and Nora Smith and Kittie Smith Willis and raised in Panama City by her extended family. As a child, she was cherished, protected and loved. Betty became the first in her family to attend college and graduated from the University of Alabama.  Betty became the wife of John Reames, a USMC pilot, and raised their children Adam, Lucy and Trudy. In the 60's she went on to receive a Masters Degree in Library Science from FSU and worked as a librarian in Bay District Schools. During Adam and Lucy's teenage years she piloted the boat for family and friends to enjoy water skiing on Watson Bayou.

After a near death experience, God gave her the strength to leave her marriage.  Her extended family provided support and encouragement when she left Panama City, trusting God would provide for her and her children in Orlando.  Several years passed before God sent J.C. Cook to help heal a broken heart.  He encouraged her to leave public education and she became a Certified Gemologist. Betty operated a jewelry store in Orlando for several years and obtained a private pilot license. After J.C.'s passing from lung cancer, the Lord blessed her again when friends introduced her to George W. Westcott. After capturing his heart, he replaced her love of flying with an antique 1915 Westcott vehicle.  She began traveling all over the country judging antique cars. She also used the 1915 Westcott in parades around Gulfport, FL, hosting such passengers as Mickey Mouse and Richard Simmons. After George was diagnosed with Alzheimer's she lovingly cared for him. After his passing God again blessed Betty when she captured Lee Plummer's heart, who became her last life partner and later cared for her as she began her own struggle with Alzheimer's. Then God bought her back to Panama City for Lucy, Bill and Adam to lovingly oversee her care.

Even as she lived and was cared for at Mathison's Retirement Community and Superior Residences Memory units, her grace and love captured the hearts of her caregivers. God gave Betty a gift of seeing people to encourage and love those He sent her way and be loved by them in return. Emerald Coast Hospice staff were also some of God's angels He also sent to care for Betty, for which the family is eternally grateful. To God Be the Glory for a life well lived.

Betty was predeceased by her mother, Kittie Smith Willis and adopted father Dewey Willis; sister, Sue Smith Jeremiah; and other extended family members; John A. Reames; J.C. Cook; and George W. Westcott.  She is survived by Lee Plummer, her children and families: Adam and Sharon Reames, Lucy and Bill Lewis, Trudy and Steve VanMiddlesworth; grandchildren: Courtney Lewis Harvey (Ryan), Corinne Lewis Patton (David), David Reames, Angela Reames, Steven VanMiddlesworth, Jr. (Summer); Amber VanMiddlesworth-Jones (Kyle); and great-children and other extended family members.

Memorial services will be held on Monday at 11 a.m. in the First United Methodist Church with Rev. Steve Rascoe officiating. The family will receive friends at the church from 10-11 a.m. Monday prior to the service. In lieu of flower donations in Betty's memory may be made to any of the following: First United Methodist Church Community Life Center Debt Retirement or Music Ministry, Bay County Historical Society, FSU Panama City Foundation, Emerald Cost Hospice, Alzheimer's Association or the Charity of your choice.