Betty Macy

(From Parker Mortuary)

Betty Macy, age 99, Joplin, passed away at 11:17 a.m. Tuesday, May 5, 2020 at her home after an illness.

Betty was born April 19, 1921 in Merthyr Tydfil, South Wales, Great Britain to the late Lewis Phillips and Sarah Ann Howfield Phillips and has lived in Joplin since 1946.

A homemaker, Betty had worked in the bomb factory during World War II. She became a naturalized citizen of the United States in 1959.

She was a charter member of the United Nations Club which was formed for G.I. Brides from countries all over the world. She was also a charter member of The Tea Cozies, a group of British ladies. The ladies still meet at least once a month as The British Club. Betty loved these ladies dearly and the Christmas party at Shirley’s home was “the highlight of my year”. She was a faithful member of Forest Park Baptist Church and was active with the Friends Sunday School Class. She loved spending time with her Macy extended family who loved and adored her. She will be missed by everyone who knew her.

Betty left Great Britain and her Welsh family on December 7, 1946 to cross the ocean on the RMS Queen Elizabeth. Following five days at sea she landed in New York. She then boarded a train and traveled across the States to San Francisco where her love was waiting for her.

She married Junior Lee Macy the next day on December 17, 1946. He preceded her in death on November 16, 1992. 

Betty was also preceded in death by two sons, Ronnie Macy and Ray Macy; a grandson, Jamie Settle; and a brother, Ronald Phillips.

Survivors include her daughter, Pat Settle (Frank), Joplin; grandchildren, Sarah Macy (Steve Schlueter) and great granddaughters Viola Rose and Marigold Ann of Van Nuys, California, Jon Settle, Joplin; and Peter Macy (Yuki Akimoto), Tokyo, Japan; and her beloved grand dog, Macy.

The family extends their sincere gratitude to Dr. Russ Kennedy and Nurse Salome of Mercy and to the Home Instead caregivers, especially Diana. Your compassionate care of Mom is deeply appreciated.

Services are planned for Friday at 10:00 a.m. at Forest Park Baptist Church. Rev. John Swadley will officiate. The family will receive friends at the church following the service. Graveside services will be Friday at 1:00 p.m. at New Salem Cemetery with Frank Settle officiating.

Serving as pallbearers will be Aidan Brock, Darrell Brock, Rick Phipps, Jon Settle, PE Smith and Brian Strickling.

Honorary pallbearers will be members of the British Club: Beverly Brewer, Shirley Brock, Carol Eastwood, Lindy Kluthe, Kathy Phipps, Jo Roy and Eileen Russell.

Arrangements are under the direction of Parker Mortuary.