Bettye passed away peacefully on May 30, 2022. She was born in Jacksonville, Texas on November 21, 1929 and was the beloved only child of Thomas J. and Eunice P. Shelton. The family moved to Conroe when Bettye was three years old, and lived in the Humble Camp of the Conroe Oil Field for the duration of her childhood.
Bettye was an honor graduate in 1947 from Conroe High School, a member of the band, the Latin Club, and the Flare staff. She attended the University of Texas for two years, returning to college years later and graduating in 1980 with a BBA in Accounting from Sam Houston State University.
She married the late John R. Wakefield, Jr. in 1948. They lived in Conroe and Sinton, Texas. John’s work in the oil fields took them abroad, where they enjoyed several years living in Douala, Cameroon; Port Harcourt, Nigeria; Salvador, Brazil; and Marsaxlokk, Malta.
After John’s death, she worked for the Conroe Independent School District, recruiting teachers from all over the U.S. She retired in 1997. Ever productive, she also worked, before and after retirement, as an independent tax consultant for over 30 years.
Since 1947, Bettye was a member of First Presbyterian Church, where she taught Sunday School and Bible School, and she served as Deacon, Elder, and Moderator of the Women of the Church. She received Honorary Lifetime Membership in recognition of her service.
She also enjoyed membership in the Pan American Round Table, Montgomery County Association of Retired School Personnel, and the Money Makers Investment Club.
Bettye enjoyed traveling, reading, and needlepoint and was a member of several bridge clubs. She loved keeping up with the many friends she grew up with as well as those she made throughout her long and happy life.
Predeceased by parents and husband, she is survived by daughters Susan Eckis and son-in-law Tom of Richmond, Virginia and Andrea Durrett and son-in-law Gary of Montgomery, Texas; granddaughters Courtney Elizabeth Smith of Dallas, Texas and Spencer Abigail Eckis of Richmond, Virginia; sister-in-law Judith W. Crane, brother-in-law Michael S. Wakefield, as well as many nieces and nephews who loved their Aunt Bettye.
Always the prettiest girl in the room, she was gracious to the end.
A visitation is scheduled at Cashner Funeral home on Friday, June 3 from 4 to 6 p.m. Her funeral will be on Saturday, June 4 at 11 a.m. at the First Presbyterian Church of Conroe, with a private graveside burial for family. All are welcome to come and celebrate Bettye’s life. The family would like to thank Devotion Hospice for their guidance and care as well as the caregivers at Woodhaven, and private caregivers Sharon Scott and Chasity Frazier. Flowers and monetary donations can be sent to the First Presbyterian Church of Conroe.
