Betty Jane McCollum

Betty J. McCollum, 88, of Silsbee passed away Monday, February 15, 2021. She was born July 18, 1932 in Pine Bluff Arkansas to the late John Louis Merlo and Blanche Garraughty Merlo.

Betty taught special education at Spurger ISD for 20 years. She enjoyed gardening, reading, cooking, and being with her family. She was married to her husband, Thad Ray (T.R.) McCollum for 54 years until the time of his passing in 2007. Betty will be missed dearly by her family and friends.

She is preceded in death by her parents; John and Blanche Merlo; late husband, TR McCollum; and her siblings, Claude Merlo, Buddy Merlo, and Marie Dalby.

Betty is survived by her children, Thad W. McCollum and wife Theresa, Mary Jane McCollum, Donald McCollum and Dene Vallee, Chad McCollum and wife Leisa; sister; Johnnie Lou Cancelarich and husband John; grandchildren, Josh McCollum and wife Meagan, Jason McCollum and wife Christina, Holden McCollum and Alissa, Courtnee McCollum; one great-grandson, Micah McCollum; and numerous other relatives and friends.

Funeral Mass will be held at 10 AM, Monday February 22, 2021 at St. Mark's Catholic Church in Silsbee with burial to follow at Turner Branch Cemetery in Spurger. Visitation will be held Sunday evening February 21, 2021 from 5-7PM at Farmer Funeral Home with a rosary immediately following visitation at 7PM.

Serving as pallbearers will be her grandchildren, Josh McCollum, Jason McCollum, Holden McCollum, and Courtnee McCollum.

The family would like to extend their heartfelt thanks to the staff of Spanish Trails Assisted Living in Silsbee for their exceptional and loving care given to Betty during her stay.

Donations may be made in Betty's memory to St. Mark's Catholic Church in Silsbee.

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