Betty Sue Kelly Orand

Betty Sue Kelly Orand passed peacefully into the arms of her Lord Jesus Christ and the embrace of her forever love, her husband Charles, on June 8, 2025. She was 88 years old.

Born and raised in Dallas, Texas, Betty was a proud graduate of Woodrow Wilson High School before moving to Austin to attend the University of Texas. At UT, she became a member of Tri Delta sorority and was honored as one of the “Ten Most” beautiful women on campus. Betty’s beauty and grace remained defining qualities throughout her life, but she was so much more—hardworking, adventurous, and a woman of extraordinary strength. She lived with elegance, determination, and joy, and was known to be a fearless spirit.

After college, Betty briefly worked in Houston before spending a year in Boulder, Colorado, where her first son, Jeff, was born in 1960. She then lived in Boston for a year before returning to Dallas, where her second son, Craig, was born in 1963. In 1966, Betty began her career at Braniff International Airlines as a reservationist, working long hours to support herself and her two young children. She remained with Braniff until 1982, when she then joined Electronic Data Systems (EDS) as an Executive Events Planner—a position she held until her retirement in 1996.

At EDS, Betty truly found her calling. She planned executive retreats and corporate events around the globe, bringing her energy and adventurous spirit to every project. From the Australian Formula One Grand Prix to hiking volcano craters in Hawaii, she brought imagination and excellence to her work. She also coordinated logistics for EDS executives at the 1994 World Cup and conducted CEO and customer trips for the Jason Project for Education, led by Bob Ballard, the discoverer of the RMS Titanic.

Betty’s life was forever changed in 1967, when she met her soulmate, Charles Orand, while attending a dance with friends. Married June 14th, 1969, they loved each other fiercely and together built a loving, close-knit family. Despite her demanding career, Betty always made time to cook dinner at home each evening. Dinners around the table were full of joy, with Betty often sitting back in wonder as Charles, Jeff, and Craig cracked jokes and teased one another, laughing hysterically. She prioritized time together, and through her calm demeanor, had a remarkable gift for slowing the pace of life and making space for peace and love—not only within her family, but among her many close friends as well.

Travel was one of Betty’s great passions, and she made full use of the travel benefits offered by Braniff and EDS. Whether enjoying mountain getaways or tropical escapes, she and Charles loved visiting their favorite places—Colorado, New Mexico, Acapulco, Hawaii, and later, Corpus Christi.

Betty’s love for Jesus Christ was the foundation of her life. She was an active member of her church and deeply involved in her weekly Bible study group, where she formed lasting connections within a devoted community of believers. Her faith was a source of comfort and joy that sustained her throughout her life.

Another of Betty’s great passions was collecting Quimper pottery. Over the years, she curated what became one of the most impressive and beautiful collections in the country. Her home reflected this passion, with every room adorned with vibrant, hand-painted pieces. Each piece told a story and brought her great joy.

Betty was preceded in death by her parents, Frank and Gean Kelly; her sister, Carol; and her beloved husband of fifty-four years, Charles Orand. She is survived by her sons, Jeffrey Cole Bailey and wife Anne Marie, and Craig Alfred Bailey and wife Shelly. She was dearly loved by her grandchildren, Stephen Bailey (Holly), Lauren Bailey Prioleau (Mack), Cole Bailey (Allison), and Olivia Bailey; and by her great-grandchildren, Hudson Bailey, Bobby Bailey, Jack Bailey, Frost Prioleau, and baby Prioleau, due in November. Betty is also survived by the son and daughter of her late husband Charles, Patrick Orand and Terry Mascolo.

Betty’s family would like to express our deep gratitude to the staff at T. Boone Pickens Hospice Center in Dallas, and especially Ethelene Philips, her devoted caregiver, and Barbara Peoples, for the love and care they provided in her final years. We bless you all.

A private family graveside service will be held on Saturday, June 28, at Sparkman Hillcrest Funeral Home.