Bettie J. Fiscus Shappard, age 92 of Bridgeport, passed away Wednesday, August 12, 2020 at Aperion Care in Bridgeport. She was born July 2, 1928 in Shreveport, LA to Joseph John Burt and his wife Ava Reatha “Reathie” (Dowell) Burt.
As a young woman, Bettie married Rev. Robert Fiscus. He preceded her in death at the young age of 40. She then met and married Robert Walters. After her second husband passing, she married William “Bill” Shappard. He then preceded her in death as well.
Bettie graduated from Lawrenceville High School and went on to become an LPN. Bettie and her husband, Rev. Robert Fiscus, founded the Immanuel Tabernacle in St. Francisville, and they co-pastored there for many years. Bettie held a Ministerial License and ministered to many people at the Robinson Correctional Center. She felt guided into ministry at an early age and followed that guidance throughout her life.
Surviving family includes: one son- Robert “Bob” Fiscus and wife Ruth of Robinson: one daughter- Sherry Brown and husband John Threlkeld of Bridgeport: seven grandsons- Eric, Nathan, James, Cole, and Duncan Fiscus, and Shane and Ryan Brown: eight great-grandchildren: one step-daughter and family- Kim Barker of Danville: and one step-daughter-in-law and family- Jennifer Shappard of Lawrenceville.
She was preceded in death by: her parents- Joseph John Burt and Ava Reatha “Reathie” Burt: her husbands- Rev. Robert Fiscus, Robert Walters, and William “Bill” Shappard: one sister- Bobbie Whittaker: one step-son- Mike Shappard: and one step-son-in-law- Glenn Barker.
Funeral services for Bettie will be held at 11:00 a.m. at the Immanuel Tabernacle in St. Francisville on Wednesday, August 19, 2020. Visitation will take place at the church from 9:00 a.m. until service time at 11:00 a.m. Burial will be in Sumner Cemetery. Cunningham Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.
Memorial contributions can be made to the Immanuel Tabernacle directly or through the funeral home. Online condolences can be sent to the family at www.cunninghamfuneralhomes.com.
PLEASE NOTE THAT COVID-19 GUIDELINES WILL BE OBSERVED. SOCIAL DISTANCING MEASURES WILL BE IN FORCE, AND FACE COVERINGS ARE ENCOURAGED WHEN SOCIAL DISTANCING CANNOT BE MAINTAINED.