Betty Jane Elders, 91, of Du Quoin, passed away at 10:50 P.M., Saturday, October 3, 2026 at home.
Betty was born August 1, 1935 in Du Quoin, IL, the first daughter of Paul Glen and Edna Opal (Teel) McCormick.
Betty graduated in 1953 from Du Quoin Township High School.  Also in 1953, she was crowned "Miss Du Quoin" during the town's Centennial Celebration.
On June 4, 1954, Betty married Delmar Ray Fulk.  From this union came four children:  Della Jane, Daniel Ray, Dixie Lea, and Dianna Lynn.  On April 30, 1977, Betty married Gene Elders and gained another daughter and son:  Deborah Sue and Michael Gene.
Betty was baptized on October 2, 1955 at the First Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) by Rev. J. F. Scantland.  Throughout her many years of church membership, Betty served and chaired various committees, sang in the church choir, served as an elder, and was on the church board.  She later transferred her membership to Liberty Church, both in Du Quoin.
Betty worked for the Kroger Company 31 years at three different locations in Du Quoin.
She was a member of the Junior Woman's Club, Illinois Alpha Tau Masters Chapter of Beta Sigma Phi and Beaucoup Creek Chapter of the National Society Daughters of the American Revolution.
Betty is survived by children:  Della Fulk, Dan (Susan) Fulk, Dixie (Kevin) Meinders, Dianna Fulk, Deb (DeWitt) Smith, and Mike (Vickie) Elders.  She is survived by 12 grandchildren:  Justin (Alicia) Elders, Jason Elders, Nathan (Crystal) Elders, Holly Sanders, Hailly (Ricky) Williams, Ben (Kellie) Hoffman, Luke Emling, Rhiannon (Steve) Lewis, Hank (Marie) Fulk, Meredith (Jaron) Torbeck, Arianne Emling, and Caleb Scronce and 16 great grandchildren.
Betty is survived by four sisters:  Pauline Olinger, Linda (Ron) Sherman, Faye Schobert, and Pamela Oliver.  She is also survived by numerous nieces and nephews.
Betty was preceded in death by her parents, husband, numerous brothers and sisters-in-law, nieces, nephews, and cousins.
Funeral services will be at 11:00 A.M., Friday, October 9, 2026 at the Liberty Church in Du Quoin with Rev. Hank Fulk officiating.
Friends may call from 9 A.M. until the time of service on Friday at the Liberty Church in Du Quoin.
Burial will be in the Sunset Memorial Park in Du Quoin, IL.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can be made to the Paul G. McCormick Memorial Fund through the Volunteer Foundation.  The fund will provide a yearly distribution for first responders needs in the Du Quoin community.  It includes education, training, small equipment needs, etc.  Envelopes will be available and will be accepted at the church or can be mailed to the funeral home.
Betty established this endowed fund to honor her father, who was a dedicated first responder for many decades.  He was a Du Quoin volunteer fireman, a member and captain of the prestigious Illinois Mine Rescue Team and a Special Deputy for the Perry County Sheriff's Department.
Searby Funeral Home in Du Quoin is in charge of arrangements.