Betty Ann Thrash

Betty Ann Thrash, 78, passed away peacefully in her sleep on February 14, 2025, in Plano, Texas, surrounded by the love she so freely gave throughout her life. Betty was born on May 26, 1946, in Natchitoches, Louisiana, to the late Eunice Camille Edwards Johnson and Lucius Johnson Jr. She was the fifth of nine children, and her spirit of love and devotion to family was evident from an early age.

Betty graduated from Natchitoches Central High School, where she met her high school sweetheart, Willie Thrash, in 1960. Their love story began in her freshman year and flourished into nearly 60 years of marriage. The two were inseparable, with Willie affectionately calling her “Sweetie.” Betty later attended Grambling University, where she majored in Nutrition and Dietetics. She and Willie married on August 8, 1965, and their beloved daughter, Veronica, was born on May 13, 1966.

Betty went on to earn an Associate's degree in Finance, which led to a successful career spanning 39 years at Mason & Hanger Pantex Plant, a government contractor for Atomic Energy, where she served as Executive Secretary of Finance for the CFO.

A lifelong member of New Hope Baptist Church, Betty’s commitment to her faith was unwavering. She sang in the choir, served as financial secretary, and played an active role in youth ministry, including mentoring the youth ushers. Her involvement in the church was matched by her dedication to her family and community. She was the Financial Secretary for the Grand Court Order of Calanthe, a Team Mom for the Amarillo AAU Summer Track Teams and Kids Inc. Basketball Teams, and a mother figure to countless young people. Known affectionately as “Miss Betty”, she was a pillar of guidance and wisdom for many.

In the 1990s, Betty and Willie welcomed their niece, Myieisha, into their home, raising her as their own daughter to adulthood. Betty also played a pivotal role in the lives of her nieces and nephew, including Sheila, Robbin, and Elbridge Thrash, and Tracy Rivers, who spent many summers under her loving care. Betty was a Godmother to Chanda Coffey and remained a strong presence in Chanda’s life.

After the birth of her grandchildren, Madison and Sydney, Betty became known as "Grammy" and delighted in her role as a grandmother. In 2010, Betty retired and she and Willie moved to Plano, Texas, where they continued to be a source of love and guidance to their grandchildren and Myieisha’s son, Aden.

Betty’s love story with Willie, who she affectionately called "Billy," spanned more than six decades, a testament to their enduring love. Together for 65 years, Betty’s final moments on Valentine’s Day 2025 were a fitting tribute to the love they shared. Betty climbed the "Stairway to Heaven" —one of her favorite tunes by The O’Jays — to complete her journey. Betty will forever be our Sweet Valentine.

Betty is survived by her husband, Willie James Thrash; daughters, Veronica (Phillip) Jordan of Plano, TX, and Myieisha (Melvin) Drew of McKinney, TX; sisters Luella Rivers of Monroe, LA, Grace Farley of Pittsburgh, TX, Yvonne Middleton of Tampa, FL, and Audrey (Donald) Johnson of Milwaukee, WI; brothers Lucius (Kathy) Johnson III of Roswell, GA, and Daryl Keith (Kim) Johnson of Chicago, IL; and grandchildren Madison Nicole Jordan and Sydney Bay Jordan of Austin, TX, and Aden Alexander Payton of McKinney, TX.

She was preceded in death by her brother, Charles Leonard Johnson; her parents, Eunice Camille and Lucius Johnson II; and her sister, Lucille Matthews.

Betty was a woman of elegance, dignity, and grace. Always impeccably dressed, she had a special fondness for matching hats and purses for church, and in her downtime, she embraced her Adidas track suits and tennis shoes. Her love for crossword puzzles, Candy Crush on her iPhone, and walking was well known. Betty’s love of music was undeniable—there was never a song she didn’t know by heart. Her baked goods, including her famous Carrot Cake, Grandma's Delight, and Thanksgiving Dressing, were beloved by all.

One of Betty's caregivers beautifully captured her essence, saying, “She was a very proud soul who still thanked the Lord in the midst of her journey. Her smile will be missed, her tone of sounds will be missed, but the love of her joy will never fade away.” Betty will be remembered for her profound impact on those blessed to have known her. She was a role model, a loving and nurturing mother figure, and a shining example of kindness, strength, and compassion. Her memory will live on in the hearts of all who knew her.

A wake to honor Betty will be held from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. on Thursday, February 27, 2025, with Homegoing Celebration to take place the following day, Friday, February 28, 2025, at 2:00 p.m., both at Sparkman/Hillcrest Funeral Home, 7405 W. Northwest Hwy., Dallas, TX 75225.