When people talk about Alice Joan “Jo” Van Bebber, they’re quick to mention her nurturing ways, her zest for life, her culinary skills, and the fact that she was the first person to win the honorary title of Lutz Guv’na.
(Courtesy of Cheryl Benton)
Van Bebber, who was laid to rest on March 8, spent decades of her life serving her community.
She was a vital member of the GFWC Lutz-Land O’ Lakes Woman’s Club, serving the organization as its president and in nearly other capacity, said Cheryl Benton, one of Van Bebber’s dear friends. She always made newcomers feel welcome, quickly taking them under her wing and teaching them the ins and outs of the club, other members said.
“I was a walk-in to the club,” Pat Serio said, noting she was attracted to the organization by its work to help survivors of spouse abuse.
Serio recalled that as soon as she arrived, Van Bebber greeted her and began introducing her around. By the end of the meeting, Van Bebber already had figured out how to put Serio’s talents to work to help the club and the community.
Beyond serving the local club, Van Bebber also was involved at the district, state, national and international levels.
When Van Bebber took ill, it was an “egregious blow” to the community, said Edwina Kraemer, another former woman’s club president and former Guv’na. Kraemer credited Van Bebber as being among a trio of women who recruited her to join the woman’s club.
“Jo was my mentor,” Kraemer said.
Van Bebber was vivacious and enjoyed entertaining, but she could be a stickler for details, club members said.
“She could be a general,” Kraemer said. “She knew parliamentary procedure, our bylaws and standing rules. She could quote the page and paragraph,” Kraemer said.
Besides her dedication to the woman’s club and to Lutz, Van Bebber was a devoted mother and grandmother, said Marilyn Wannamaker, another one of Van Bebber’s close friends. Van Bebber also was involved at the First United Methodist Church of Lutz.
Both women were widows and often dined together on the weekend, Wannamaker said. “To me, we lost a truly great lady.”
Van Bebber died March 5. Her husband Bill preceded her in death, and she is survived by three sons: Bill, Greg and Wynn, and a daughter Pam.
Van Bebber also is survived by nine grandchildren.
Published March 26, 2014
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