Elizabeth Jane Bussey Morris (Betty) passed away June 2, 2021, due to complications of age-related heart failure. Betty was born at home on December 8, 1929 to parents Winnie Lee (Batte) Bussey and Fred Bussey. She was initially pronounced stillborn by the attending physician. Fortunately, he allowed a prominent lady of the community to try to revive her, and the effort was successful. The miracle of that day amplifies the miracle of life for Betty’s three descendants, daughter Angie, son Alan, and grandson Taylor.
As a toddler, Betty lost her mother to life-long asthma. Her father, who Betty called Daddy Fred, realized in his grief that a widowed railroad man would not provide the kind of life he and Winnie had envisioned for Betty. It was decided that Betty would be best served by residing with Winnie’s parents, Tom Batte and his wife Jessie Corrine Batte, assisted by their adult daughters Lois Batte and Mildred (Batte) Lewis. Fred remained in Betty’s life as did his parents, brothers, sisters, nieces and nephews, most of whom lived in a town named after the family, Bussey, Arkansas.
Betty always spoke with warmth about her upbringing in Garland. She referred to the area as “back home.” She always appreciated the love and support she experienced there. Betty attended public school in Garland and graduated as Salutatorian of her senior class. Throughout her youth and young adulthood she was active in Garland Community Church where she was baptized. In high school she played basketball and continued studying and playing piano.
After graduation she attended college in Magnolia, Arkansas. During her freshman year she reconnected with an older Garland City boy when the two of them were asked to play a violin and piano duet for a special church service. Love happened, and they were married in the Garland Community Church on November 28, 1948. Mr. and Mrs. Edgar Alan Morris, Jr. (Jerry) left after their wedding to get back to Oklahoma for exams at Oklahoma University.
Married life brought two children and a move to Austin, Texas where Jerry became Board certified and licensed as an architect and Betty was able to enjoy being a stay-at-home mom. She was active in the PTA’s of her children’s schools and also worked in community service with the March of Dimes and other charities. She and Jerry enjoyed the Austin Symphony, Zachary Scott Theater, the Paramount Theater, and volunteering at Austin PBS. Family activities included boating, skiing, camping, and traveling.
As the children became more self-sufficient, Betty was ready to start a career and was given the opportunity at the Internal Revenue Center in Austin. It was there that she met many new friends and learned the intricacies of the tax system. Computers were brought on line in the middle of her career and she got to see the changes from paper to virtual. She had a long robust career as a Tax Examiner at the Internal Revenue Service Center and retired in April 1995.
Betty’s kitchen became the gathering place for coffee and conversation for other retired ladies in the neighborhood. It was also a favorite place for friends of her children to visit and gather. People of all ages loved her welcoming heart and vibrant personality. Since her passing, she has been described as beautiful, one-of-a-kind, fun loving, and strong. She was a lifelong animal lover and in retirement had one special dog and several rescue cats.
Let it be said that after ninety-one years of life, seventy-two years of marriage, and seventy-one years of motherhood, Betty has earned her right to peace and rest. As much as she loved life’s journey, and as hard as it is for us to say goodbye for now, we are relieved that she is able to rest in peace and is free of suffering.
She is survived by her husband, Jerry Morris, daughter Angie Morris, son Alan Morris, daughter-in-law Karen Morris, and grandson Taylor Morris.
Also left to grieve her passing are the family’s devoted caregivers Vickie Eason, Tannette Hedge, Virginia Caldwell, and Miles the caregiver dog.
Longstanding neighbors and friends will miss her as well and should know that she appreciated them until the end.
Memorial contributions may be made to PAWS, Austin Humane Society, or animal service of choice.
Visitation will be held at Weed-Corley-Fish Funeral Home, 3125 N Lamar Blvd, Austin, Texas on Saturday, June 12, 2021 from noon to 2:00 pm. A chapel service will immediately follow.
Funeral services will also be held June 23, 2021 in Stamps, Arkansas at the A.O. Smith Funeral Home followed by interment service in Lakeside Cemetery.
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