Betsy Bowen Hobgood

"Between the pages of a book is a lovely place to be." Nothing made Betsy Hobgood happier than sorting and shelving new books, or helping someone find just the right book, whether it was for a research project or a vacation read. She shared her love for books with countless others, from her grandchildren to students in Texas, North Carolina and the Democratic Republic of Congo, where she served as a missionary with the Disciples of Christ from 1955 to 1970. In 1967 Betsy established the first library for a fledgling ecumenical institution that today is one of the Congos most respected universities, with four faculties and more than 8000 students. Betsy and her late husband Ben helped found Congo Protestant University ("UPC" www.upcongo.org), and in retirement raised more than $1 million in scholarship support for its students. Born in Cincinnati Ohio but raised in Lexington, Kentucky, Betsy received a Master of Science in Library Science in 1969 and a Masters in Education (1951) from the University of Kentucky. She was also awarded a Bachelor of Arts from Transylvania University (1950). A lifelong learner, Betsy was fluent in French and two African languages. After returning to America from the Congo, Betsy was a high school librarian in Plano, Texas and Smithfield, North Carolina.Betsy and Ben lived their later years at Penney Retirement Community in Florida, where Betsy founded a state of the art library for the residential community and also found time to volunteer at the Green Cove Public Library. She loved singing in the Womens Chorus, helping to manage the book section of Re-Sale, and greeting newcomers. She enjoyed cooking, and was well known for the fun Halloween meals she created to celebrate Bens October 31 birthdays. Adored by her children and grandchildren for her cultural awareness, Betsy introduced them to the theater, the latest movies and music, and "must read" books. She initiated the familys annual "Beach Week," spending countless hours collecting books for every reading preference, as well as puzzles, kites, and recipes from around the world to add zest to the fun activities. Betsy and Ben enjoyed traveling, and visited friends and family around the world as well as returning to the Congo in 1995 where they volunteered for one year. While Ben managed the Presbyterian Church USAs business affairs in the Congo, Betsy found herself back at The American School of Kinshasas library, a job she had also enjoyed when her daughters attended as students in the 60s and 70s. Betsy is survived by her daughters Anne, Lucy and Susan and their families, as well as her sister and brother-in-law Brenda and Craig Hamilton, and their three children. Tax deductible memorial gifts may be sent to Education Congo-UPC, 2216 Elgin Road, Winston-Salem, NC 27103 USA or online www.educationcongo.org. Please designate "Hobgood Named Fund." To send a message to the Hobgood family, please email handupcongo@gmail.com or write to daughter Anne Zolnor, 215 S. Ocean Grande Drive, Ponte Vedra Beach FL 32079 USA. For the record, Betsys favorite classic was The Three Musketeers by Alexandre Dumas. "Its got everything!" she used to say to anyone seeking a book suggestion. Arrangements are under the care of HELM-GALLAGHER FUNERAL HOME & CREMATION SERVICES, 1811 Idlewild Ave. Green Cove Springs, FL 32043. 904-284-9696. www.helmgallagherfh.comINVITATION: "Let the sun shine in"A celebratory concert in memory of resident Betsy Bowen Hobgood will be held at 2 pm on Friday, April 28, 2017, Penney Memorial Church. The concert will feature Michael Dell, organist, the PRC Womens Chorus, and songs by Renske Karsen, Betty Richey and Peggy Allen.You are invited to wear a splash of yellow or a jaunty hat! Betsy and her late husband Ben made Penney Retirement Community their permanent home after active lives in Congo, Kentucky, Texas and North Carolina. Betsy established PRCs popular library in the Commons Building in 2004. Written remembrances or messages may also be left in Chaplain David Allens Hub box 408B, for forwarding to Betsys family. Funeral Home Helm - Gallagher Funeral Home - Green Cove Springs 1811 Idlewild Avenue Green Cove Springs FL - 32043 US (904) 284-9696