Melody Betts Williams

It is with great sorrow, but immense trust in our Savior, Jesus Christ, that our family announces the passing of our mom, grandmother, sister and aunt Melody Betts Williams of Spring Branch, Texas, formerly of El Paso, Texas. Melody peacefully left us to join her son and husband on September 11, 2024.

Melody was born on October 22, 1942, in Santa Rita, New Mexico. The daughter of a “Greatest Generation” Army veteran Wendell Betts and his wife Blanche Betts, Melody spent her early childhood in Silver City, New Mexico, with her mom, her Granny and Namp Coker and her “sister-like” aunt, Lana Coker Wisenbaker, while waiting for her daddy’s return from World War II. Melody was the oldest of her siblings. Her sister Shela passed away on February 24, 1966, at the tender age of 16. Her sister, Kathlyn, has been Melody’s best friend for nearly 70 years all the way through to Melody's last breath, using her nursing practitioner skills to care for her. Kathlyn credits Melody with encouraging her to finish her nursing degree – a decision that positively impacted every member of our family, especially Melody.

Melody graduated from Ysleta High School in 1960 at the age of 17, and attended Lubbock Christian College where she received her Associate’s degree. After her return to El Paso from college, she met a young Air Force serviceman, her husband of over 60 years, John Williams.

Melody and John completed their family with three precious children: John David, Jr., Susan Kathlyn and Kristy Louise. Melody and her husband beamed with joy over their two beautiful granddaughters, Britni June and Kamryn Melody.

Melody’s life overflowed with a multitude of incredible experiences; she ran a successful commercial refrigeration business, Williams Refrigeration, with her husband, was Steer Secretary for the El Paso County Livestock Show and Rodeo and owned her own candle-making business. She made every house she and John remodeled a home - a testament to her adaptability to all that life brought to her.

Melody’s life has been filled with many joys and treasures. Her times spent with amazing friends, her travels around parts of the U.S. to see her kids and sister, the rewards (and sometimes headaches) of being a business owner are among her many joys. The countless moments with her kids, her granddaughters and her sister, however, are her biggest joy and treasure of all.

Melody was preceded in death by her son, John David, on July 18, 2022, followed by her husband, John, on July 26, 2023. She was also preceded in death by her parents and younger sister. She is survived by her daughters Susan Rice, her husband Mike and their daughter Britni, Kristy Dunn, her husband Allen and their daughter Kamryn, and by her sister Kathlyn Roth, her husband Alan, and their son Marc. Many wonderful relatives and some of the greatest friends a woman could ever ask for survive her also. We give sincerest thanks to Benny and Janet Davis and Scott and LeLois Roosevelt for their abundance of trips to Spring Branch with delicious desserts, family-sized meals, and plenty of love and laughter. Thank you also to her friends, family, and “extra kids” who called and texted often to check in on Melody, offering their love and support. Every single one of you meant the absolute world to our mom and sister.

Our family extends our heartfelt gratitude to the staff of Heart of Texas Hospice, namely her wonderful nurse Sulema and her chaplain Brother Alvie, With their unwavering compassion and prayers, Melody received the most loving care in her final months.

Services for Melody will be held at Porter Loring Mortuary North on Friday, September 20th at 2:00 pm. No graveside service will be held. Internment will follow at a later date at Ft. Sam Houston National Cemetery where she’ll be laid to rest along side her loving husband and beloved son.

To view Mrs. Williams's service, please click here