Betty Jo Northcutt Carney

Betty Northcutt Carney left her place on earth at 95 years of age on July 29, 2025, in Austin, TX. Heaven just became a little more efficient. A self-proclaimed life-long San Antonian, Betty was born on May 22, 1930, to Odessa Tarleton and Wesley Northcutt.

Betty is survived by her only child, Terri Susan Carney Binkley, her son-in-law Peter Andrew Binkley, her cherished grandchildren Katherine Nicole Binkley Talley (Matthew) of Austin and Jessica Anne Binkley Lain (Derek) of San Antonio and her two adored great-granddaughters Elyse James Talley and Madison Anne Talley, both of Austin, and her only remaining sibling Eugenia “Sissy” Smith (Floyd). She is also survived by numerous nieces and nephews – Diane Burris Stock of Del Rio, Grover Burris III of San Antonio, Mi Chel Sandell Hagood of Dallas, Jim Sandell of San Antonio, John King, Adam King, Gabe King all of San Antonio, Sjohn Smith, Troy Smith, Jeanie Smith Paulton all of Edna, TX and Linda Beyer Jackson of Pipe Creek.

Betty is preceded in death by her beloved husband of 58 years James A Carney, her beautiful sisters Dottie Burris, Billie Fulton, Joyce Walters, and brother Eugene “Sonny” King. Betty was also preceded in death by H. Lamar Mackie, a lifelong family friend, to whom she was briefly married from 2009 until his death in 2014. His daughters, Joni Mackie Kendrick (Kevin) of Lakeway, TX and Cheryl Mackie Jones (Mike) of Grapevine, TX, always held a special place in Betty's heart and remain treasured friends of Betty’s daughter Terri.

The oldest of six children, Betty experienced humble beginnings growing up, being responsible for helping raise her younger siblings during hard times. Her formative years were spent in the halls of G.W. Brackenridge High School, where she graduated in 1947, having made her mark as a self-taught majorette. Her talent and enthusiasm for performance earned her a majorette scholarship to Trinity University. It was during her freshman year that her life took a romantic turn when she met a handsome Navy seaman James Carney. After a whirlwind romance, the two married on September 9, 1948, and embarked on a journey that would span nearly six decades. In 1956, they welcomed their first and only child, Terri Susan, making their lives complete.

Betty's faith as a Christian guided her actions and nurtured her spirit. She tackled life with a zest that was evident in her love for hunting, fishing, music, travel, reading and of course shopping for her granddaughters. Her commitment to family was unwavering, and she could always be found at the heart of any gathering, hosting memorable holiday meals, sharing stories, delegating tasks or lending her own helping hand.

Betty worked all her life until her retirement in 2002. She loved her jobs and proved to be the epitome of professionalism, dedication and excellence. She had many small jobs in her early years, but her professional career began as a secretary at General Dynamics, where her sharp skills, integrity and warm demeanor quickly set her apart. That soon followed as Executive Secretary to the President of the Bexar County Hospital District. But Betty found her true calling when she was hired as Executive Director of the downtown Rotary Club of San Antonio. As Executive Director, she helped grow the club to the largest in the world! One of the perks of her job was being sent as the club’s representative to 24 International Rotary conventions. Just a few of the places she visited were London, Paris, Rome, Venice, Beijing, Korea, Hong Kong, Singapore, Brazil, New Zealand, Syndney.

It is through Rotary that Betty earned respect and notoriety within the business community. Anywhere she went, she saw someone she knew and made it a point to say hello. Even 20 years after retirement she could remember their names and their wives’ names. Betty was designated as a Paul Harris Fellow in 1986 and upon retirement she was appointed Executive Director Emeritus and honorary member of the club in perpetuity, leaving behind a legacy of service and leadership.

The family would like to thank Brookdale Assisted Living on Nacogdoches in San Antonio, The Legacy at Oak Hill Assisted Living in Austin and Magnolia Hospice for their love and dedicated care of Betty during her final years.

Flowers are definitely appreciated (especially pink, Betty’s favorite); however, in lieu of florals, donations are being accepted to initiate a memorial scholarship in honor of Betty Carney via the Rotary Club of San Antonio, 118 Broadway, Suite 319, San Antonio, TX 78205, 210-222-8242. Charitable donations can also be made to Glaucoma Research Foundation or Lighthouse for the Blind.