Betty M. Durst

Betty Jane McAlpin Durst, 86, (Our beloved Nonnie) of San Antonio, went home to be with her Lord Jesus Friday, June 8, 2012. Her daughter, Barbara was holding her hand as Betty left this earth. Betty was born in Waxahachie, Texas, on November 29, 1925, to William H. McAlpin, Sr. and Myrtle Katherine “Buzzy” McAlpin. She is survived by her husband of 65 years, Lee A. Durst, whom she married on June 1, 1947. Also surviving are her daughter, Barbara Ann Durst (Richard Eckert) of San Antonio, and her son, Lee Durst, Jr., (Terri) of Corpus Christi. She also leaves behind the joys of her life, her grandchildren Melanie Elisabeth Durst Douglas (David), and Robert Lee Durst (Margie), all of Corpus Christi. She was blessed with great grandchildren Jackson, Justin and Jacquelyn. She was eagerly awaiting the arrival of Jackson’s brother in October.

She is also survived by her brothers William H. “Billy” McAlpin, Jr. (Laura Faye) and Don McAlpin (Bill) and sisters in law, Betty (Mrs. Tib) McAlpin and Anna Rose (Mrs. Johnny McAlpin), brother in law, Don Posey and numerous nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her parents and two brothers, Silvan Earl(Tib) McAlpin ,John Thomas (Johnny) McAlpin, and sister, Katherine M. (Sister) Posey. The family was always so proud of the fact Betty graduated Valedictorian from Milford High School. Betty was an impeccable home maker and effortless cook, raising her two children in Alice and then Victoria, Texas. She passed along her hand-written recipes so that “Nonnie’s Pumpkin Pie” and “Mama’s Coconut Cream Pie” will stay on the family’s menu for holidays to come. Betty and Lee and (often Barbara), traveled many miles together, including trips to Europe, the Holy Land and Russia. Betty and Lee took up snow-skiing in their 50s and skied for many years together. Betty was also an avid Spurs fan and loved politics. She never said a bad word about anyone except Clinton and Obama. The more important thing in Betty’s life was her love of the Lord and knowing she was saved. She wanted all she knew to love the Lord and shared the Word of Jesus Christ in any way she could. She studied the Bible regularly, and even asked others to read it to her once cataracts claimed her vision.

The past decade had been particularly difficult for Betty due to ongoing medical problems. She moved to San Antonio from Victoria so she could be near her daughter. Barbara spent the last ten years faithfully caring for each and every one of Betty’s needs. Barbara and Betty spent countless hours together. The family extends the deepest gratitude and love to Barbara for taking such good care of Betty. And a very special thank you to Keisha Hunter who stayed by Betty’s side many long hours and was with her at the end of this life.A devoted wife, a dedicated mother and giving grandmother, and anyone’s friend, Betty was loved by all. With her small frame, she was soft-spoken, sometimes feisty, and always had a twinkle in her eye. She will be forever in our hearts. Visitation for family and friends will be Tuesday, June 12, from 11am to 12pm at Sunset Funeral Home, San Antonio, Texas. The funeral service will follow at 12 noon, with burial immediately afterwards. Pallbearers will be Robert Durst, David Douglas, Mark Jensen,

John Jensen, Richard Eckert, Chris Turner. It was Betty’s wish that in lieu of flowers, please make a gift to your charity of choice that works to honor and serve Jesus Christ.