Betty Mapes' Obituary
Betty Glenn Mapes escaped this mortal realm on September 14, 2025. She was 86, we think. The family believes she did it on purpose to avoid having to cast another vote in the American elections.
Betty was world-renowned for her generosity and kind disposition. Mom offered a charm, wit, and undying love to those who were her friends. She was simply an amazing gal, part saint & part sinner all bundled up into one marvelous package. If you were fortunate to have met her, you’d have liked her immediately… she was just that kind of person.
She was a studied cook of the old Southern school. Her chicken and dumplin’ recipe was, as I would say, simply the best—a remarkable meal (sorry Micky, it was). Her fried okra was a favorite among many —the recipe is untouchable… seriously, we can’t find it. If anyone has a copy, please let the family know.
Betty served in a variety of civic capacities: A Cub Scout den mother, a Boy Scout parent, a baseball mom, a football mom and volunteer (she managed the concessions and we got free candy, once), and she was a long standing member Catholic Daughter of The Americas serving in various capacities. She was a gifted artist and taught art lessons for many years. She was a talented seamstress who produced beautiful quilts, dresses for her granddaughters, and even a wedding dress for one of her daughters-in-law. And, most importantly, she loved her westerns and a good murder mystery show. She also did a whole lot of other things for us when we were kids, but we were too busy to make notes (sorry Mom). However, we do sincerely appreciate her selfless sacrifices and various lessons of life, like how to use a napkin; to not eat soup with a fork; to say “please” and “thank you”; to call each-and-every-one of her and dad’s friends “Mr. and Mrs.”; and lots more.
She was preceded in death by the father of her four children, Sam Mapes, her son Matthew Douglas Mapes and as well as her parents Clyde and Rubie Edwards and siblings Bobby Lynn Edwards Sargeant Westmoreland, Donald Edwards, and Jesse Edwards,
her beloved family pets, Martha her cat; Freckles (we had our own name for him); Chief the Chow Chow; and Shorty who went to some farm for better life…
She leaves behind her sons, Sam/DeWayne (Christy); Rick (Ana); and Micky (Lori). She also scurried after a bunch of grandchildren, Megan (Leslie); Sean; Morgan (Wes); Bridget (Chris); Madison & McKenzie (Spencer); Madeleine; Robert/RJ; SAMMY; and four great grandchildren called Brinley; Atticus; Jace, & Lincoln. (Great kiddos. Thief of hearts.)
She left behind a lot of old stuff that her kids don’t know what to do with. Anyone interested in some knick knacks, a bell, some art books, gardening tools, a couch, or old jewelry. Please wait the appropriate amount of time to reach out. Tomorrow should be fine.
The family will have her visitation on Friday evening September 19, from 6-8 p.m. at Rader Funeral Home. A Catholic Mass on Saturday, starting with a Rosary at 10 a.m. follow with Mass approximately 10:30, after which will proceed to White Cemetery for the Graveside service.
Finally, the family asks that in lieu of flowers, please write your congressman and ask for the repeal of Daylight Savings Time. We think Mom would like it if we were all on the Lord’s Time.
What’s your fondest memory of Betty?
What’s a lesson you learned from Betty?
Share a story where Betty's kindness touched your heart.
Describe a day with Betty you’ll never forget.
How did Betty make you smile?
