Betty Frances "Lil Ma" Wilkie

Betty Frances “Lil Ma” Wilkie, 92, of Amarillo passed peacefully on January 14, 2026.

Viewing will be held on Friday, January 16, 2026, from 10 am to 5 pm at Schooler Funeral Home, 4100 S. Georgia. The family will receive guests that evening from 5 pm to 6 pm. Funeral services will be held on Saturday, January 17, 2026, at 2 pm at Temple Baptist Church, 3208 S. Van Buren, with Ben Durham presiding. Burial will follow at Llano Cemetery.

Betty was born on September 2, 1933, in Quanah, Texas to Tommie James and Onie Frances (Jenkins) Watson. She graduated from Amarillo High School in 1951. On April 19, 1953, she married John “Big Pa” Wilkie Jr in Portales, New Mexico and the two started their life together.

Betty was a part of everything and wore many different hats throughout her life. She began working for the United States Postal Service and basically ran the Central Station for many years before her retirement. Betty and John loved to go out Square Dancing and spending the night laughing and enjoying their time together. They were also members of the Model A Club. Betty had a heart of service and giving. She took care of everything asked of her, and even things she wasn’t asked to handle. Betty loved to help others. She would help retirees of the USPS file their retirement paperwork, prepare meals at the church, and offer a hand to anyone in need.

Betty was deeply devoted to her Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. If the church doors at Temple Baptist Church were open, Betty was leading people to Jesus through them. She enjoyed showing people the truth she knew, Jesus was the way. She attended everything at the church and was part of just about every group. Betty was part of the Joy Club, the Hand in Hand Club, although she didn’t sew, she threaded needles. But her favorite part of her ministry of service was raising the nursery kids in the way of the Lord. Betty loved to take care of the children and get to know each of them.

Betty is preceded in death by her parents, her beloved husband, John Wilkie Jr, daughters, Sue Nan Wilkie, Lou Ann Bullis, and Jamie Maxine Wilkie, and grandsons, George “Brian” Moore and John “Russell” Moore. Those left to cherish her memories are her daughter, Jan Moore, Grandchildren, Jason Nunn, Crystal Elkins, and Jimmie Bullis Jr; 14 great-grandchildren, 2 great-great grandchildren, many extended family and beloved friends.

In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests that you make a donation in honor of Betty Frances “Lil Ma” Wilkie to Temple Baptist Church.