Betsy Jacobs

Our world has lost a bright, shining light of love, optimism, and elegance. Betsy Jacobs, affectionately known to many as “June Cleaver,” peacefully went to be with the Lord and her beloved husband of 71 years on September 12, 2026, following a thankfully brief illness. A visionary civic leader, a foundational pillar of her church, a devoted friend, and a fiercely loving mother, Betsy was an extraordinary woman. If you were to look up the definition of a “Classy Southern Lady” in the dictionary, her picture would undoubtedly be right there. Though her body grew tired after 95 beautiful years—a reality that frustrated her—she remained eternally upbeat, optimistic, and 110% mentally sharp until the very end. Her clever and quick-witted sense of humor brightened every single day.

Betsy grew up in the charming little town of Franklin, Tennessee – think Mayberry RFD. On September 9, 1955, she married the love of her life, Jim Jacobs. Four children soon followed, and together they set out on an adventurous life that took them to 14 different cities across the country before they ultimately chose to settle in Plano, Texas. At the time, Plano was just a tiny, close-knit town much like the Franklin of her youth. As a devoted mother, Betsy took immense pride in being deeply involved in every aspect of her four children’s lives. Her dedication also extended directly into her new community, where she became a driving force in local church and later civic activities. She was a leader at West Plano Presbyterian Church during an era when it was somewhat unusual for women to hold leadership roles. She also spent time working for local legend Biggerstaff Flowers.

Most notably, in 1978, she founded the Maurice Barnett Senior Citizens Wellness Center, and became its first Executive Director. The organization grew to become a United Way agency that continues to offer a broad range of services for seniors in Plano today.

Following her impactful tenure at the Senior Center, she brought her characteristic warmth and professionalism to City Hall, serving for years as the receptionist for the City Manager. Because she counted many of the city’s prominent business leaders and physicians among her board members, and met most every city leader and influential local citizens, she was affectionately regarded by some as Plano’s own “local royalty.”

Her incredible sense of empathy was her trademark; she lived her life entirely focused on the needs of others. Yet, every day was punctuated by her classic sense of humor. For instance, when her husband Jim suggested it might be time to downsize to just one car, she immediately quipped, “That’s fine, as long as you don’t need one!”

Betsy is survived by her four children Jeff Jacobs (Dallas), David Jacobs (Houston), Larry Jacobs (Tampa), and Maggie Moore (Plano), and grandchildren Mary & Richie Ledo (New York) and Andrew & Megan Jacobs (Houston). She was preceded in death by her devoted husband of 71 years, James W. Jacobs (1930–2019), her parents, John and Margaret Church, her brothers Jack and Billy Church, and her sister Margurite Wilson.

The family expresses their most heartfelt thanks to the kind caregivers who tended to Betsy with boundless love and compassion until her final day. The family especially recognizes Geraldine, Susan, Meka, “Officer John,” Maria, and nurse Lisa at Village on the Park Plano. We also greatly appreciate the superb staff of Visiting Angels, most notably Kim Parrish, who loved Betsy as if she were her own mother and was with her at her death. Betsy truly made a lasting difference in our world and will be profoundly missed by everyone who had the honor of knowing her.

A Celebration of Life will be held at 2:00 p.m., Wednesday, October 7, 2026, at the West Plano Presbyterian Church, 2709 Custer Road.

If desired, the family kindly requests donations in Betsy’s memory in lieu of flowers to two of her most cherished nonprofits:

The Wellness Center for Older Adults in Plano at: https://wl.donorperfect.net/weblink/weblink.aspx?name=E363797&id=1

West Plano Presbyterian Church at: https://westplanopresbyterian.org/