With profound sadness, we announce the passing of Betty Jo Parrish Shoemaker, who peacefully departed this world on May 13, 2026, at the Suncoast Hospice Care Center in Pinellas Park, FL. She was 90 years old. Born in Blountstown, FL, on May 10, 1936, Betty’s life was a testament to love, resilience, and unwavering faith.
Betty was the cherished daughter of Ruby J. O’Bryan and Roy A. Parrish and her step-father, Allen O. Perkins. She was preceded in death by her devoted husband of 61 years, Ronald A. Shoemaker, along with her parents, her daughter Valerie Shoemaker Grant, and her niece Laurie Anne Parrish. She is survived by her brother, James (Judy) Parrish, her children Cheryl (Karl) Thompson and Ronald A. (Lisa) Shoemaker, II, as well as one niece, one nephew, nine grandchildren, and eight great-grandchildren. Betty’s family was her greatest treasure, and her love for them was boundless.
On April 2, 1953, at the 5th Ave. Baptist Church in St. Petersburg, FL, Betty married her beloved Ron, embarking on a journey filled with love, laughter, and shared dreams. Together, they opened Shoemaker Hardware in 1971, the first hardware store in Ocklawaha, FL, where her father also lent a helping hand. Prior to this venture, Betty worked at the Ocklawaha Packing Company, a significant part of the community’s history. Her career saw her nurturing young minds and lives as the Manager of Lake Weir High School Cafeteria, as well as other schools, including Ft. King Middle and Belleview High School.
Betty was a long-time member of Grace Baptist Church in Ocklawaha, FL, where she found solace and strength in her faith. Known for her ever-present smile and unshakeable gratitude, Betty taught all who knew her the true meaning of love and kindness. She was a beacon of encouragement, always offering a kind word or prayer for family and friends alike. Her deep and abiding love for her Lord Jesus Christ was the cornerstone of her life.
The family extends their heartfelt gratitude to the dedicated Nurses, Doctors, and Staff at Morton Plant and Suncoast Hospice, whose compassionate care provided comfort in Betty’s final days. Special thanks to the sweet nurses, Lauren and James, who graced her birthday with flowers and offered nourishment to the family during a waiting period. A particularly touching memory was created by the Music Therapist, whose rendition of “Leaning on the Everlasting Arms” and “What a Friend We Have in Jesus” brought peace and joy in her last moments.
Betty Jo Parrish Shoemaker’s life was a beautiful tapestry of love, family, and faith. She touched the hearts of many and leaves behind a legacy of warmth and devotion. While she will be dearly missed, her spirit will forever reside in the hearts of those who loved her. A celebration of her life will be held at a later date to honor the remarkable woman she was. Rest in peace, dear Betty, in the loving arms of the Lord you cherished so deeply.
A Celebration of Life will be held on Saturday May 30, 2026 at the the former Grace Baptist Church now know as God’s Anointing Ministries located at 12050 SE 134th Court Ocklawaha, FL> 32179. A visitation will begin at 10:00 AM until service time at 11:00 AM. immediately following the service, she will be laid to rest at Ocklawaha Cemetery 12855 SE 122nd Palce Ocklawaha, FL. 32179
