Former mayor’s spirit of giving back continues to live on

Poplar Bluff Altrusa International is inviting the public from 2:30-4 p.m. today, Saturday, March 19, to a meet and greet to learn about its organization.

The gathering will be in the Altrusa Room at the Twin Towers, 508 Barlett St.

Missing physically from the event, but not spiritually, will be Mary Elizabeth Absheer, better know to those in her community as Betty, and to her high school friends as Abbie. Betty passed from this physical world Oct. 30, 2021, but her giving community spirit lives on with Altrusa and the many people she’s inspired to give of themselves to others.

In a few months and after renovations, the Poplar Bluff Housing Authority will rename the room the Betty Absheer Altrusa Room.

For those attending the meet and greet or the later dedication, don’t be surprised if you feel her presence in the room.

Betty spent decades of her life living, working and going to church in her beloved Eastside. She also enjoyed working and growing up in Downtown Poplar Bluff. In September 1989, she was appointed to represent the Poplar Bluff City Council Ward 3. She was elected by her friends and neighbors to represent them nine times. She became the first woman mayor of Poplar Bluff and was selected by fellow council members to the position five times.

She worked 28 years for the housing authority before she retired. She gave up work for six years before she took a part-time position for Cummings Real Estate, where she spent 17 years.

When Betty retired from the council, she continued to serve on various city boards.

When her sister, Bonnie Absheer Knowles, needed extra care, Betty would spend evenings visiting with her sister at an extended care facility. Even when Bonnie no longer realized she was there, Betty continued visiting each evening, reading her the newspaper and sharing with her sister.

Another of her passions in life was her work with Altrusa International. A member for 45 years, Betty was president of the local club, governor of District 8 and vice president on International Board. In 2020, she was awarded the Marilyn J. Bell Humanitarian Award by Altrusa District Eight. The award recognizes an Altrusan who made a lasting contribution to community service as a result of their involvement with Altrusa. Who better to receive the award.

Those attending the Altrusa event or the later dedication might want to watch out. They may find themselves putting their names on a volunteer’s list or agreeing to become involved a community project. Betty continues to inspire others.

Barb Horton is a staff writer at the Daily American Republic. She can be reached at bhorton.dar@gmail.com.