Obituary of Betty Sue McCluskey - Igo

 

In loving memory of Betty Sue McCluskey-Igo, née Clingman.

 

Betty Sue passed away peacefully on November 24, 2023, in her Suntree home in Melbourne, Florida, surrounded by her children, Patti, Jeff, and grandson Robert.

 

Betty Sue was born in Panama City, Florida, on July 26, 1929 to Gem Neal Boone and Harry Clingman. Her family relocated, in the aftermath of the Great Depression to a farm in Possum Valley, and later to Monticello Arkansas. Betty shared her formative years with siblings:  Harry “Bubba,” Abby Ruth, Billy Joe and surviving brothers Charley and James.

 

A testament to her adventurous spirit and natural beauty, Betty took a different route in life by becoming an airline stewardess for TWA during the 1950s. She was crowned “Queen of the Airlines Ball,” earning her a modeling contract. Betty moved to New York with TWA. 

 

In NYC, Betty met and married pilot James William Walker, Jr. in 1956, and gained a devoted daughter, Carmen, who survives her. Betty and Jim embarked on a life that spanned continents, from Park Avenue; to Taipei, Taiwan; Montevideo, Uruguay; Caracas, Venezuela; and back to Taiwan.

 

The '70s marked a return to American soil, where Betty, her two children in tow, forged a new life in Cocoa Beach, Florida. These were difficult times. Betty went to work for Joe DiPrima, a successful builder in Brevard County, before launching her real estate career in 1985. DiPrima continued to be supportive and not long after, entered into a transformative partnership with Betty by launching a new brokerage: DiPrima-McCluskey Realty, Inc. In Satellite Beach.

 

After supporting both children through college and having repositioned herself, Betty welcomed the second half of her life in the mid 1980s with a new career, new business, and a new marriage to Austin E. “Mac” McCluskey. By the mid 1990s, Betty assumed control of the business, giving rise to McCluskey Realty, Inc. Betty acquired her flagship Suntree office in 1999, and eventually expanded to five locations throughout Brevard County.

 

Betty's commitment extended beyond her professional success, as she actively participated in the Melbourne Association of Realtors and Multiple Listing Service. She served on committees, led them, and ascended to Vice President and President of the Board of Realtors. Betty retired in 2011, leaving an indelible mark on the local real estate community.

 

On October 16, 2009, Betty married Miles D. Igo. After her retirement, Betty and Miles enjoyed a social lifestyle along the fairways of Suntree's Championship Golf Course.

 

Her legacy lies in the straightforward determination with which she faced life's challenges. Betty’s story is one of hard work, resilience, and the strength to build a life on her own terms.

 

She dedicated her life to her family and her community.  She was a loving mother and a dear friend to many. Her generosity, and genuine concern, touched the lives of all who knew her. Betty Sue’s memory will forever be held in our hearts, an example of a life well-lived. May she rest in eternal peace.

 

So much appreciation goes to the excellent caregivers who made Betty’s last few years more comfortable: Marjorie Borno, Diedris Spence, Herna Paul, Herdine Paul, and Julienne Jean Jacques.

A Celebration of Life will be held at the Suntree Country Club on January 12, 2024, beginning at 4:00 pm. Food and drinks will be served.