Betty Jane Sibley Lovvorn

Betty Jane Sibley Lovvorn was born November 6, 1944, in Sabine Parish, Louisiana, to Vivian Cecil and Etta Mae Sibley. She grew up in the small town of Grant, and graduated from Fairview High School as valedictorian of her class in 1962. The Vietnam War brought young men to nearby Fort Polk, where she worked, and it was there that she met her husband-to-be, Floyce Lovvorn. After they were married, she relocated with him back to his home in North Alabama. She worked at Redstone Arsenal for a few years before deciding to focus on her family. Over the next couple of decades, she volunteered constantly, both for her churches and for her children' s schools. She chaperoned field trips, led Cub Scouts packs, spent many days running the health room at Gordon-Bibb, led the PTA, volunteered for Decatur High School’s Band Boosters, and even spent some time substitute teaching. She loved serving in her church, whether it was directing a children’s choir, teaching Sunday school, leading in Vacation Bible School, or simply attending worship, usually with a grandchild in her lap. She was active with the Amoco Wives’ Club for years, and later joined the Morgan County chapter of the United Daughters of the Confederacy, where she served as an officer for many terms. She was a woman of God; reading her Bible and memorizing scripture were integral parts of her life. She often quoted scripture in conversation or while encouraging others. In 1994, she became a Grandmama, and loved spending time with all of her grandchildren as long as she was able to. She was the best cookie-baker and sourdough bread-maker around, and spent summers working on a large garden full of vegetables and a small orchard, the produce of which she preserved every year. She bottle-fed calves, oversaw generations of farm dogs and barn cats, and could identify every bird that she saw. She could pack for a road trip like nobody’s business, and could somehow reach from the front seat of a full-sized van all the way to the back whenever necessary. Her life was full of the fruit that comes from an intentional relationship with the Lord. In turn, she made sure her children’s and grandchildren' s childhoods were full of wonder and love, and that is a tremendous legacy. Betty was preceded in death by her parents, as well as siblings A.W. Sibley, Glindle Speight, Imogene Hewitt, Juanice Whitaker, and Hobart Sibley. She is survived by her husband, Floyce Lovvorn of Decatur, children Becky Turner (Andy), Cathleen Appleton, Nancy Turbyfill (Daniel), Joshua Lovvorn (Kristen), and Caleb Lovvorn, all of Decatur; grandchildren Courtney Turner Kellough (Drew), Chandler Turner Clark (Logan), Caroline Turner Hammond (Caleb), John Appleton, Hannah Appleton, Molly Appleton, William Appleton,Felipe Lopez Turbyfill, Lillian Turbyfill, Lucas Turbyfill, Grace Sims, and Elizabeth “Betty” Lovvorn; and great-granddaughter Elisabeth “Ellie” Hammond. Pallbearers will be John Appleton, William Appleton, Lucas Turbyfill, Caleb Hammond, Logan Clark, and Drew Kellough. Shelton Funeral Home is assisting the family.

Betty Jane Sibley Lovvorn

November 6, 1944 - August 10, 2025