Betty Ann Bullock Norris Smith

Betty Ann Bullock Norris Smith passed away on Saturday, July 30, 2016, in Austin. She was born in September 1928 to William Joel and Willie Harmon Bullock. She was raised in Rule, Texas. After graduating from Rule High School, she attended two years at Hardin Simmons University in Abilene, Texas where she earned a teaching certificate in music (equivalent to a BA in Music, but HSU didn't offer a BA in Music at that time), and enjoyed being a member of the HSU Cowgirls. She transferred to the University of Texas at Austin and graduated with a BS in English. While a coed at UT, she met Jack Norris and they were married. They had a daughter, Laura Ann Norris in 1953. Betty Ann was widowed in December 1953. Betty Ann Norris taught music at Zilker Elementary while obtaining her Master's in Education from the University of Texas in 1957.

Betty Ann Norris married Robert Hadley Smith of Austin in 1962. They had two children, Caroline Ann and Marsha Ellen. Betty Ann taught school at Tarrytown Baptist Church School in the 1960's, and was a homemaker for 14 years.

In 1979, she began using her teaching skills as a career counselor at the University of Texas at Austin Career Center, and later joined the University of Texas Development Office, from which she retired in 1990. Throughout the years she was an avid learner and enjoyed numerous continuing education programs at the Lifelong Learning Institute at the University of Texas and St. David's Episcopal Church. She was a docent for the Harry Ransom Center on the UT campus, and at the Charles Umlauf Sculpture Garden in Austin, leading tours for students. Betty Ann enjoyed attending art museums, the symphony, and theatre. She also enjoyed exercising, and for over 10 years worked out at UT's Gregory Pool every morning from 5:30 to 7:30. Additionally, she was an avid news watcher, and particularly enjoyed the programming of NPR and PBS. Betty Ann Smith was a member of St. David's Episcopal Church for over 47 years. She served on numerous committees, including the vestry, taught Sunday school, ushered in the Historic Sanctuary, and volunteered at the Next-to-New Shop for many years.

Betty Ann considered the birth of her three daughters the highlights of her life. Betty Ann is survived by her daughter Laura Ann Vincent, and husband Thomas Vincent, and grandson Edward Vincent; her daughter Caroline Rogers, and husband Robin Rogers; and her daughter Marsha Hendrix, and husband Scott Hendrix, and granddaughters Lisa Hendrix and Mary Hendrix.

A Memorial Service will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Saturday, September 24, 2016 at St. David's Episcopal Church at 301 East 8th Street.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests gifts be made in Betty Ann's memory to the St. David's Episcopal Church Music Department, 301 East 8th Street, Austin, TX 78701.