Betty was born in Minneapolis, MN on December 29, 1925, the first of the 2 children of Anita and Alfred Nayes. She graduated from Oshkosh High School and attended the College of St. Catherine. While there, after seeing news reels of World War II, she was compelled to leave St. Catherine's and go to radio school so she could do her part for the war. She then worked at the 843rd Specialized Depot in Columbus, OH as a teletype operator.
She met Jim Severance in October of 1949, dated him for 3 months, and married him on January 28, 1950. They were married 57 years, until he preceded her in death on July 31, 2007.
Betty dedicated her life to raising her five children. She was very active in Cub Scouts and helping out at St. Pius X School and Church in Dallas, TX, then St. Francis de Sales when the family moved to Houston. Once the kids left home, she returned to the work force at the Getty Oil Research Library at age 50, and found great satisfaction in mastering the computer.
Betty's self-described "Golden Years" came after retirement, when she and Jim travelled the United States in their beloved fifth-wheel, then settled into their retirement home at Westwood Shores in Trinity, TX.
In 2002, Betty and Jim relocated to Collier Park in Beaumont, TX. In the almost 19 years of her residence there, it became home and the staff became family.
Betty was a life-long Catholic, most recently a member of the St. Jude Thaddeus parish. Her faith carried her in the difficult times and gave her hope for her eternal life. She loved family above all else. As new grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and great-great grandchildren were placed in her arms she would beam with love and pride.
Betty was preceded in death by her husband, Jim, her parents, Alfred and Anita Nayes, her brother, Richard Nayes, and her son, Tom Severance.
She is survived by her children Laura Spriggs (Tom), Jennifer Severance, Holly Lawson (Bryan), and Bill Severance (Carol). Also grandchildren Aaron Severance, Kristen Appelt, Jean Fair, Sarah Blair, Wesley Severance, Melissa Matt, Jeff Lawson, Kimberly Jeffcoat, Jason Severance, Ashley Severance, and Addie Severance. She is further survived by 24 great-grandchildren and 3 great-great-grandchildren, with a fourth to arrive soon.
Betty is also survived by care-takers who were family to her in so many ways: Viva, Tommie, Helen, Shelly, Carolyn, LaDonna, Chris (St. Christopher to Betty), Avis, Jennifer, Sherry, Sheronda, and so many more at Collier Park who made it the home she loved.
Special thanks to Altus Hospice for their wonderful care in the last few weeks of her life.
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