Betty Jo (Duncanson) Tolliver

Betty Jo Tolliver, a long-time resident of Wilmington, Ohio, died on May 12, 2025 at Provision Senior Living in East Lansing, MI.  Betty Jo’s life was marked by a simple faith in Jesus Christ, a deep and lasting love for her family, and a heartfelt appreciation for her dear friends with whom she enjoyed many very special times. 

Betty was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Paul L. Tolliver, who died in 2012 and her son-in-law, Jim (Karen) Lester who died in 2010, and by her former husband, the father of their children, Robert “Joe” Phillips.   Betty Jo was born January 28,1938, in Bethel, Ohio, the daughter of the late Eileen Penny and Joe Duncanson.  She was a graduate of Bethel-Tate High School and, after her move to Wilmington, worked various jobs, including at L&K Restaurant as a waitress, and also at Cincinnati Milacron and Sheeter’s 5&10 store. 

She is survived by her daughter, Karen Phillips-Lester of Loveland; two sons, Douglas (Becky) Phillips of Lansing, MI, and Gary Phillips (Betsy Harper) of Leesburg; two stepdaughters, Kim (Art) Reiber of Jamestown and Lori (Randy) Holberg of Medford, New Jersey; three grandchildren, Brad McCann of Hamilton, Craig McCann of Loveland; and Matt Lester of Loveland; and three step grandchildren, Natalie (Brent) Snively of Wilmington, Michelle (Bill) Blackburn of Franklin and Chelsea Holberg of Orlando, Florida; three great-grandchildren, Bradley, Blake and Brooke; and four step great-grandchildren; Caroline, Beau, Preston and Hudson; and by many cherished members of the Tolliver family.

Visitation will be 6:00 PM – 8:00 PM, Tuesday, May 20, 2025 at Smith Funeral Home, 327 N. South St. Wilmington, Ohio  and from 12:00 Noon – 1:00 PM, Wednesday, May 21, 2025 at the First Baptist Church of Wilmington, 79 E. Locust St, Wilmington, Ohio.  Funeral services will be 1:00 PM, Wednesday, at First Baptist Church.  Burial  will follow in Sugar Grove Cemetery.

Contributions in Betty’s memory may be made to the First Baptist Church of Wilmington, 79 E. Locust St, Wilmington, Ohio 45177.

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