Betty Jean Christensen Bowie

Betty Jean Christensen Bowie, 96, was born on November 29, 1924, in Dallas, TX, and passed away peacefully at home on December 14, 2020. Betty is fondly remembered as a loving wife, sister, aunt, and amazing friend. She made friends easily and often, and loved to entertain with a bright smile and welcoming presence. She was the epitome of southern charm, elegance and hospitality. Betty grew up in Dallas and graduated from SMU with a BBA degree majoring in business. After graduation, she was employed by SMU in the Psychological Testing Department and later by Magnolia Oil Company (now Mobil Oil). It was at Magnolia where she met and fell in "love at first sight" with her husband of 63 years, William "Bill" Bowie. She said she knew she would marry Bill after their first date even though "Bill did not know it yet." Their love was strong and an example to many. Betty was known for her love of dance. She grew up studying with renowned Russian ballet teacher, Theodore Kosloff. She loved to tap dance and was an active member of several dance clubs. She spent several nights of every week on the dance floor with Bill, well into her eighties. Betty belonged to Park Cities Baptist Church, The Dallas Woman's Club, The Marianne Scruggs Garden Club, The Petroleum Club, and The Penny Ante Investment Club. She and Bill enjoyed golf and tennis as members at Northwood Club as well as at Eldorado Club and Desert Horizons Club in Indian Wells, California. She was predeceased by mother Beulah Hall Christensen, father William Carl Christensen, husband William Howard Bowie, and sister Marilyn Christine Christensen. She is survived and remembered by brother Bill Christensen, brother-in-law Dr. Fred Wagner nephew Trey (Nancy) Christensen and family, niece Laura (Brad) Godkin and family, nephew Dr. Greg (Cece) Wagner, nephew Jeff Wagner, niece Buckie Bowie Pate and family, niece Cheryle Bowie Shable and family, predeceased nephew John Bowie, special friend Julia Flores Gonzales who she "adopted in her heart", and several amazing caregivers. Betty's life will be honored in a private family service; internment at Sparkman Hillcrest.