Betty Carol Yocham

Betty Gillock Flowers Yocham, beloved mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, and great-great-grandmother, passed away peacefully on Tuesday, February 18, 2025, in Odessa, Texas, at the age of 91. She was born on March 10, 1933, in Manford, Oklahoma, to Reverend Daisy and C.L. Gillock.

Betty dedicated her life to faith, family, and creativity. In 1960, she helped her parents build Hiway Temple, where she served in many roles, including choir director, pianist, adult Bible teacher, youth minister, and ultimately as the church’s pastor, a position from which she retired in 2012. Her passion for music led her to teach piano for over 50 years, sharing her gifts with countless students.

Beyond her ministry, Betty was a talented artist and teacher, instructing ceramics and art for 15 years. She was also a skilled seamstress and an avid gardener, filling her home and those of her loved ones with beauty and warmth.

She was preceded in death by her children, Becky Flowers-Tefertiller, Marilyn Flowers, and Randy Flowers, as well as her parents, Reverend Daisy and C.L. Gillock.

Betty leaves behind a loving family to cherish her memory: her children, Bonnie and Arnie Hartman and Gary Flowers; her 13 grandchildren; along with 30 great-grandchildren and 4 great-great-grandchildren.

Her unwavering faith, kindness, and creativity touched the lives of many. Betty’s legacy will continue through the generations she nurtured, the students she inspired, and the community she served.

A graveside service to celebrate her life will be held at 2:00 PM, Monday, February 24, 2025, at Sunset Memorial Gardens.