Betty Wright Roby

Betty Jo Roby, 93, was called home and into the loving arms of our Lord and Savior on Monday, July 14, 2025, in Houston, Texas. She was a devoted wife, mother, grandmother, great grandmother and friend.

Betty was born on October 9, 1931, to Jefferson Davis Wright and Ludie Estelle Wright in Hope, Arkansas. Her family moved to Odessa, Texas in her early teens, where she graduated from Odessa High school in 1949. She also attended Odessa Junior College. Soon after, she met the love of her life, John Theodore “Ted” Roby after he returned from serving in the United States Army. They were married on December 15, 1951, in Odessa at the First Baptist Church. They welcomed their first child, Rebecca Jo, on November 14, 1952. Four years later, they celebrated the birth of their son, John Theodore (“Trae”), on December 10, 1956.

Betty and Ted moved their new family to Dallas for a brief period but soon planted roots in the Memorial area of Houston. There they built their forever home in 1959. They joined Memorial Drive Presbyterian Church where they remained faithful members. For many years, Betty taught Sunday School and was active in her church circle.

Betty began her early career as a secretary for Atlantic Oil Company in Odessa. Following the move to Houston, Betty devoted herself as a full-time homemaker by caring for Ted, Becky and Trae. She created a loving home that always welcomed friends and family. During these years, Betty also volunteered in the library at Rummel Creek Elementary School and served as a room parent. Betty valued family time around the dinner table where they would gather around a warm meal, say grace, and share about their day. She was known for being a good listener, providing comfort and encouragement, and offering a hug to whomever was in need. Her ability to connect with people from all walks of life was something that made her beloved by all who knew her. When Trae was starting junior high, Betty returned to the workforce as a school secretary at Spring Woods Junior High School, Westchester High School, and later worked at Memorial High School as the secretary in the registrar’s office until she retired. She was an efficient, hard worker, who was adored by her co-workers.

Betty loved her family. She adored her children and considered her children’s spouses, Amy and David, her own. Betty proudly held the names “Nana” and “Gigi”. She loved being a grandmother and enjoyed watching her grandchildren participate in their various activities, rarely missing a game or event. She was delighted that all four of her grandchildren graduated from college and that she was able to attend each of their weddings. She felt blessed to know each of their spouses and all twelve of her great-grandchildren. Later in life, she was happiest when holding and rocking her newborn great-grandchildren.

In her spare time, Betty loved gardening and working in her yard and did so for so long as she was physically able. In the same way as she cared for her family, tending to her plants and

flowers brought her joy, especially in her final years. Every morning, she loved quiet time with coffee, reading the Bible and devotionals. Betty’s warm, loving and joyful spirit accompanied by her beautiful smile and contagious laugh will remain with us always.

Betty was preceded in death by her parents, her husband, Ted, of 67 years, her brother, Clyde Wright and brother-in-law, Clyde Cook. She is survived by her daughter, Becky Dearmore and husband, David, of Liberty, son, Trae Roby and wife, Amy, of Rockport. She is survived by four grandchildren: Josh Dearmore and wife, Jennifer, of Atascocita, Jennifer Sykes, and husband, Tanner, of Bellville, Travis Roby, and wife, Lindsey, of Midland, and Ashley Vogt, and husband, Brian, of Katy. She leaves behind her precious great-grandchildren; McCain Sykes, Ty Roby, Ella Dearmore, Hanna Roby, Sawyer Sykes, Addison Vogt, Claire Roby, Elly Vogt, Jack Dearmore, Cade Sykes, Jake Roby, and Vivy Vogt. Other survivors include her two sisters-in-law, Margie Wright of Chandler, Texas, Maida Cook of Erin, Tennessee, and countless cousins, nieces, and nephews – all of whom she loved dearly.

The family will be forever grateful to Elonda Mambakasa (Under Elonda’s Care, LLC.), for the way she loved and cared for our beloved mother. Elonda and her team went above and beyond to provide the best possible quality of life for Betty. Elonda was a true gift to our family.