Elizabeth "Betsy" Johns Simpson

Betsy Johns was the daughter of a pioneer Kendall County family. She was the youngest of four children born in Boerne, Texas to Joseph D. “Pappy” Johns Jr and Camille (Johnson) Johns. Family lore has it that Betsy’s grandfather, a young Joseph Johns Sr, (born 1832) had a case of “Texas Fever,” setting out to seek his fortune in the young state, riding horseback across the South in the 1850’s from his native Lunenburg County, Virginia, where his family had been country folk since the 1660’s.

Betsy was baptized at St Helena’s Episcopal Church and was raised at the Johns ranch in the hills west of Boerne. She soon grew into the self-reliant ways of ranch life, many years later dusting off those early skills to produce a Thanksgiving turkey on a wood-burning stove, astonishing her daughter in law. The Johns ranch house had no electricity until the 1940’s but they had a kerosene refrigerator, bright Aladdin lamps, a garden with corn and many other vegetables—they were more fortunate than many folks during the depression and were grateful for what they had. Most food was grown right on the ranch—a healthy diet of lean meat and game, chickens and eggs, plenty of vegetables and homemade bread with butter churned from their cow. Despite the rigors of operating a hill country ranch, the Johns family always maintained a sort of Virginia gentility, valuing character, being well read, getting an education and having an appreciation for the needs of others.

Betsy was a popular student at the Boerne Schools, then attended San Antonio College and UT in Austin. She served a wartime stint in the Governor’s office working for their family friend, then Governor Coke Stevenson.

The Simpsons were another family with Boerne roots and it seems only natural that Betsy would marry Willard E Simpson Jr. The returning veteran Major Simpson (TX A&M ’38, US Army Reserve, Corps of Engineers) was amazed to discover the little Betsy he had known before the war had grown into a very attractive young lady! Nuptials took place August 23, 1948, again at St. Helena’s in Boerne. The newlyweds moved to San Antonio and into a brand new house in the College Hills section of Alamo Heights.

Open and gracious, Betsy fit right into San Antonio society. She and Willard stepped easily into the post-war swirl of celebration. Three children soon followed and Betsy and Willard set a pattern of raising their kids with a close connection to the outdoors, with many trips back to Kendall County for Sunday lunches, riding horseback, swimming in the big Simpson pool, frigid nights at the deer lease, and fishing at Port Aransas and out at the old ranch.

Betsy was the consummate volunteer. She honed her skills early with the Junior League and Battle of Flowers parade. She eventually served a term as President of the Battle of Flowers Association. Both Betsy and Willard were pillars of St. Mark’s Episcopal Church in downtown San Antonio, teaching their deep Christian ethic to Sunday school classes. Betsy was famous for the thousands of biscuits she made for the St. Mark’s Lenten Luncheons. She also served for many years in the St. Marks Altar Guild, always being appreciated for her flower arranging skills, energy and can-do spirit. She was a member of the Vestry at St. Mark’s.

She belonged to Timely Topics, the Monte Vista Garden Club, and The Military Civilian Club. Lunching with her pals and serving into her eighties as a Bluebird at Methodist Hospital became important parts of her life after Willard died in 1996. She was a familiar sight in her neighborhood, walking daily on La Jara Boulevard.

Betsy was already a talented watercolor artist but her artistic skills really blossomed as a member of the St. Mark’s “Threads of Blessings” group that produced fine stitchery for the church and charity fund raising—sticking with the group, and driving herself to weekly sessions into her 90’s..Willard and Betsy traveled afar to Britain, Europe, and Canada but they always came back to fishing together. Betsy had an almost mystical ability to catch fish—to Willard’s great bemusement. Whether fishing with a guide at the coast or with their pals, Betsy was the one who brought the fish to the boat. The couple made a number of fly-fishing trips to a favorite ranch in Northern Colorado, where they dodged black bears and caught trout in the small streams, Betsy always canny and patient. They also enjoyed many South Texas trips, catching black bass with their friends the late George Judson’s and Betsy’s brother in law, the late Captain CW Sims(USN) who had retired to Boerne.

In her early 90’s, Betsy returned to Boerne, choosing independent living at The Overlook at Menger Springs, Morningside Manor Ministries. She continued her winning ways there, instantly making friends and showing the kindness, good cheer and giving spirit that characterized her. Even to the end, saying grace at her table always ended with the words “keep us ever mindful of the needs of others,” and this belief was a hallmark of her life.

Betsy Simpson is survived by her children David Simpson (Becky,) Mary Simpson (James Reinke) Elizabeth (Lili) Simpson (Ned Wheeler) and her Grandson Nicol Wheeler, loving nieces and nephew, many young cousins and her step-grandsons Bryce and Blake Dublin and their families

The family’s grateful and heartfelt thanks go to Betsy’s long-time caregivers Pat Tyler and Janie Cragle. Also, thanks to Leola Thomas for her compassionate service to Betsy during hospice.

A Memorial Service will be held on November 3, 2022at 11am at St Mark’s Episcopal Church,315 E. Pecan St., San Antonio TX 78205

For those unable to attend, please click here to view the live stream of Betsy's service. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to St. Mark’s Episcopal Church, 315 E. Pecan St., San Antonio, Texas 78205, or Morningside Ministries, 7550 W. I-10, Suite 210, San Antonio, Texas 78229.