Betty Jo Gabbard

Betty Jo “Betsy” Gabbard passed away on Sunday, December 8th, 2024, at the E.T. York Haven Hospice Center in Gainesville, Florida, with her loving family by her side. She is survived by her husband of 49 years, Steven Gabbard; four sons, Cliff, Terry and his wife Erika, Paul, and Todd and his wife Julie; five grandchildren, Savannah, Andy, Kiera, Ryan, and Molly, and a brother Steven Johnson and sister Jeanne VanWie. Her passing leaves a void her family cannot fill.

Betsy was one of five children of Betty and Terry Johnson: an elder brother, Steven; an older sister, Terry Ann; and two younger sisters, Francine and Jeanne. At a young age, Betsy was passionate about ballet and other dance forms. Betsy attended Gainesville High School. After graduation, she studied business administration at Santa Fe Community College. She worked for many years for the North Central Florida YMCA, overseeing administrative duties and making many friends.

Betsy and Steven raised their family largely in Jonesboro, Georgia, and Gainesville, Florida.

She and Steven retired to Hawthorne to live a quiet life on the tranquil shores of Star Lake. There, she enjoyed boating, camping, quilting, gardening, and crafting miniature houses. She and Steve were avid motorcyclists. Better known as “Slick” to her friends, Betsy was active at VFW Post 2811 in Gainesville and the American Legion Post 16 in Gainesville. She engaged regularly in volunteerism and community service, which led to her election as President of the Post 16 Auxiliary.

Betsy was committed to her family and always put others before herself. We will never forget the love she brought to our lives.

Cremation services will be private. She will be interred at the Florida National Cemetery in Bushnell, Florida. Donations to the American Legion Auxiliary (www.legion-aux.org) in her name are appreciated in lieu of flowers or gifts.