Betty Jo Graber

Betty Jo Tackitt Crumm Graber

Betty Jo was born in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma on March 15, 1932 to George and Winnie Tackitt. They later moved to Panhandle, Texas where she graduated from Panhandle High School then went on to receive her Bachelors and Masters degrees from the University of North Texas. On July 3, 1954, she married Norris Crumm who preceded her in death in 1970. She later married Raymond "Bud" Graber on August 16, 1980, who preceded her in death in January 2022. She began her basketball coaching career at Weatherford High School from 1954 to 1956. She then went on to Weatherford College in 1956 at the age of 24. Over her esteemed 35-year career, she has been an essential contributor to the changes and growth of women's basketball as a whole. Betty Jo helped organize the NJCAA Women's Basketball Coaches Association and was the NJCAA National Basketball Committee Chairperson from its inception in 1975 until her retirement in 1991. Her service to the sport took her all over the world. Betty Jo's International coaching experiences included National Teams from 1977-1984, which included the 1984 Olympic Basketball team that won the gold medal. She has also been inducted into six Halls of Fame during her career. Her greatest surprise and honor was when Weatherford College announced the gymnasium would be named BETTY JO CRUMM GRABER ATHLETIC CENTER.

In addition, Betty Jo was dedicated to serving others. She served on many boards and committees while at Weatherford College, as well as serving those in her community. She was an active member at North Side Baptist Church. Betty Jo will be known as a pioneer in women's basketball, as a successful basketball coach, an incredible friend and amazing aunt, sister-in-law and grandmother. She will be missed. 

She was preceded in death by her parents George & Winnie Tackitt, brother Lawrence Tackitt & sister-in-law Lillie Belle, brother Larry Tackitt & great niece Tiffany Tackitt. 

She is survived by her sister-in-law Camma Lou Tackitt of Happy; her nephews Terry Tackitt of San Antonio, Stuart Tackitt & wife Lela of Lubbock, Lonnie Tackitt & wife Tracy of Marble Falls, and Mark Tackitt & wife Donna of Lubbock; her step-sons Larry Graber & wife Darlene of Leander and Ken Graber & wife Martha of Mineral Wells; great nieces, great nephews and grandchildren are Samuel Tackitt & wife Elizabeth, Abigail Tackitt; Taylor Tackitt, Kelsie Thompson & husband Taylor; Matthew Tackitt & wife Samantha (Skylar), Stephen Tackitt, Sarah Tackitt; Melia Graber, Kyla Graber (Dan Atwater), Gina Graber, Tyra Voholetz & husband John; Monica Davis & husband Zach (Zachary (wife Brittany) & Jacob).

There will be a viewing on Friday, January 20th at Galbreaith Pickard from 5:00 p.m. - 7:00 p.m. in Weatherford, Texas. 

A service will be held on Saturday, January 21st, at 2:00 p.m., at North Side Baptist Church in Weatherford, Texas. 

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can be made to North Side Baptist Church or Weatherford College Foundation Scholars.