Bebe Karen Jett

Bebe Karen Jett, beloved wife, mother, grandmother and friend, passed away on September 7th, 2026, leaving behind a legacy of love, faith, and creativity.

Born on March 22, 1939, in Shamrock, Texas, Karen was the second of four children and the only girl born to Euphia and Aubrey Higdon. As the only daughter, she was affectionately called “Sister” by her family, a title that evolved into “Aunt Sister” for her cherished nieces and nephews. Karen and her brothers grew up working and playing on a farm between Twitty and Kelton, Texas. She fondly remembered their small, warm, and comfortable childhood home, nestled beautifully between a blacktop farm-to-market road and a white cotton field.

After graduating from Kelton High School, Karen took her first job as a telephone operator for the Bell Telephone Company, proudly serving as one of the ladies who famously greeted callers with “number please.” During these formative years, she loved spending time at Shamrock’s well-known “U Drop In” café, which was owned and operated by her favorite aunt and uncle, Bebe and John Nunn.

On July 11, 1958, Karen married the love of her life, Joe Sanford Jett. Together, they shared a beautiful, devoted marriage of 67 years. They made their lifelong home in Amarillo, where they raised their two sons, Chris and David. When she first arrived in Amarillo, Karen worked in the secretary pool of the loan department at American National Bank, where her happy demeanor quickly earned her many lifelong friends. Two years later, she transitioned into her true calling as a full-time mother, wholeheartedly devoting herself to her family.

Karen was deeply artistic and found great joy in oil and pastel painting. She especially cherished her weekly evening painting classes, which offered a peaceful space to relax, create, and share stories with dear friends. Karen and Joe also shared a love for community and dance as active, weekly members of the Pioneer Promenaders Square Dance Club and the Yellow Rock Plus Club, traveling to many out-of-town dancing events over the years.

Her faith and community were central to her life. Karen and Joe were deeply active members of First Christian Church, having joined when the sanctuary was still located downtown on Taylor Street. They were longtime members of the Mariners Sunday School class, and their family activities beautifully revolved around the church calendar.

Karen’s warmth, artistic spirit and devotion to her loved ones will be deeply missed by all who knew her.

She is survived by her devoted husband, Joe Sanford Jett; her son Chris Jett and his wife Cathy; her son David Jett and his wife Shanna; and her four beloved grandchildren, Amanda Jett, Alaina Jett, Damian Jett, and Hunter Jett. She is also survived by her brother, Ken Higdon and his wife Sherrie; her sister-in-law, Janie Higdon; her sister-in-law Ruby Jett; and the many nieces and nephews who will always hold “Aunt Sister” close to their hearts.

She was preceded in death by her parents and her two brothers, William Duane Higdon and John L. Higdon; and her nephew Ty Dean Higdon.

The family would like to thank the nurses and staff at Home Instead Home Health Care and also BSA Hospice of the Southwest for their support and comfort.

A funeral service will be held on Saturday, September 19, 2026 at 10:30am at Llano Cemetery Chapel, located at 2900 S. Hayes St., Amarillo, Tx. 79103. Arrangements are by Boxwell Brothers Funeral Directors.