Betty Demarco

Betty DeMarco passed away peacefully on June 9, 2023 at the age of 76 in Jacksonville, FL. She was born on August 6, 1946 in Jacksonville, FL to Joe and Evelyn Rhodes.

Betty grew up in Jacksonville, FL where she graduated high school from Terry Parker High. She went on to work as a phlebotomist for several different employers, last of which was St Vincent’s Hospital in Jacksonville, where her mother, Evelyn, also worked for the majority of her career.

Betty’s favorite activity in the world was walking the beach and collecting shells. Her shell collection was one-of-a-kind, and she had several displays, each meticulously curated, proudly on view in her home. Betty had a love for animals. Her Doberman Pinscher, Ninja, was like a second son to her. At one point, she did a volunteer stint at BEAKS (a bird sanctuary in Jacksonville) helping to rehab injured birds and various other animals. Music was also a great love of hers. Mostly 60s-era songs and artists, with Bob Dylan and John Denver being her favorites. Betty knew all the words to pretty much every song on the radio and was known to sing along and dance while listening. Betty’s pride and joy was her son, Jeff. She would happily brag about him to anyone that would listen.

She will be remembered as a devoted, selfless, kind and loving mother, sister and friend. Everyone who met and knew Betty loved her.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Joe and Evelyn Rhodes, her sister Millie and her brother Joe.

She leaves behind her son Jeff and her sisters; Nancy and Mary.

Per Betty’s wishes, there will be no public service.

In lieu of flowers or gifts, please consider donating to any animal shelter or charity, as animal care and well-being was close to Betty’s heart.