Betty Jo Fraser Westphal

Betty Jo Fraser Westphal, age 79, passed away peacefully in the arms of her two daughters on March 3, 2026, following a 12-year battle with Alzheimer’s disease. As a nurse for almost four decades and a devoted wife, daughter, sister, mother, grandmother, and dear friend, she wholeheartedly gave her life and love to others. She will be remembered as a steadfast woman of undeniable strength, character, and compassion, with a kind, gentle spirit and an endless capacity to give.

Betty Jo was born on December 11, 1946, in St. Albans, West Virginia, where she lived until the age of 10. Her father owned the local grocery store in town and she often reflected on the joys of growing up in a small town in Appalachia, helping to deliver groceries and visit members of the community, spending quality time with extended family and friends during summer trips to Charleston, or watching fireworks over the Kanawha River. In 1956, her family moved to Bellaire, Texas. She attended Horn Elementary and Jane Long Middle School, graduating from Bellaire High School in 1964 where she excelled academically and played the baritone bugle in the wind ensemble. Betty Jo completed her Bachelor’s Degree in 1968 at Texas Women’s University in Denton, Texas where she studied nursing and met the love of her life, James Harold Westphal (Jim), on a blind date set up by close friends. They were married at an enchanting Christmastime wedding ceremony on December 22, 1967, and shared a beautiful life together for the next 56 years at their home in Houston, Texas, raising two daughters and four grandchildren. Betty Jo later achieved a Master’s Degree in Geriatric Nursing from the UT Health and Science Center of Houston and retired in 2005 after impacting countless lives through her commitment to a life of service and her tireless work as a nurse for 37 years at Methodist Hospital.

In this life Betty Jo served as a true constant for many. She was extraordinary in her ability to love unconditionally no matter what. Guided by the Golden Rule and her unyielding faith, she understood the power of even the smallest acts of kindness to make people feel special, seen, and heard. Her family was her greatest joy and she was the kind of parent and grandparent that is present for literally every single important moment, offering encouragement, wisdom, patience, and forgiveness through all of life's greatest joys and challenges. Betty Jo enjoyed music, world travel, camping, and spending quality time with her family, pets, and friends in nature. She was an active and dedicated member of Asbury United Methodist Church for many years where she played in the handbell choir, supported youth education activities, and volunteered across numerous church outreach programs to help make a difference and effect positive change in the local community.

Betty Jo faced Alzheimer's disease with tremendous courage and grace, continuing to live every day to the fullest while exploring new potential therapies and doing everything she possibly could to help find a cure. She participated in multiple scientific research studies and drug trials, contributed to the annual walk to raise awareness and funds for Alzheimer's research, and ultimately donated her brain to science - even in death, finding a way to give, with the hope that someday others would not have to endure her experience. The sparkle of her eyes, the welcoming warmth of her smile, and the boundless generosity of her heart will be deeply missed. She was a beacon of light in this world, a source of hope, understanding, and inspiration that will live on in the hearts of all who knew her.

Betty Jo is preceded in death by her parents, McDan and Bettyann Fraser, her beloved husband, Jim Westphal, and her sister and brother-in-law Mary Ann and Ronald Crabb. She is survived by her loyal canine companion, Tilly, daughters and sons-in-law, Kimberly and Bradford Scott and Kristi and Dave Teykl, and her grandchildren, Audrey Josephine Scott, Eva Jameson Teykl, Breckenridge James Scott, and Anna Patricia Scott.

A memorial service will be held at 2:00 PM on Saturday, April 25, 2026, at Asbury United Methodist Church, 5354 Space Center Blvd., Pasadena, Texas 77505. All are welcome to attend and celebrate Betty Jo's life with remembrance and joy. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in her honor to the Alzheimer’s Association or the Women’s Alzheimer’s Movement at the Cleveland Clinic.