Bette Karen Long

Bette Karen Edwards Long passed away peacefully on November 22, 2025, leaving behind a lifetime of love, laughter, devotion, and hard-earned accomplishments.

Born on November 3, 1951, in Knox City, Texas, Bette was the daughter of Robert L. (“Jiggs”) Edwards and Thelma Edwards of Weinert. She grew up in the tiny farming community of Weinert, where she embraced every part of being a “farm girl.” She drove tractors, cared for animals, picked cotton, and took on the endless chores that shaped her strong work ethic and joyful spirit. In school, she threw herself into everything—sports, academic contests, and any activity that sparked her curiosity. In junior high, she won the regional National Spelling Bee competition and traveled to Washington, D.C., to compete in the national finals. She graduated from Weinert High School in 1970.

Bette met the love of her life, Larry Long, in 1966. She always said he was the smartest and most handsome boy she had ever dated. They married in June of 1970 and soon embarked on an adventure-filled early marriage, first in Monterey, California, and then in Rothwesten, Germany, where Larry served in the Army Security Agency. They returned to the United States in 1972 and attended McMurry University in Abilene until Larry’s graduation in 1974—a year made even sweeter by the birth of their daughter, Andrea.

Bette pursued her own education with dedication, graduating summa cum laude from the University of Texas at Arlington in 1981. She began a successful career in accounting, working as a CPA in public accounting in Fort Worth for much of her first 15 professional years. Later, she and her family moved to Lufkin, where she spent another 15 years working in oilfield industry accounting. While in Lufkin, Bette also served as a Court Appointed Special Advocate (CASA), passionately advocating for children who had been removed from their homes. Her compassion for others—especially children—was one of her defining qualities.

Bette retired in 2011, and she and Larry settled in McKinney to be closer to family and to savor their role as grandparents.

Some of Bette’s greatest joys in life were simple and sincere—visiting with friends, playing games, cheering loudly from the stands as Andrea played softball, watching Texas Rangers baseball, caring for her beloved cats, and traveling whenever the opportunity arose. During their 18 years in Fort Worth, Bette and Larry were active members of St. Matthew United Methodist Church, where they formed deep, lasting friendships.

Retirement allowed Bette and Larry to travel often, checking off many bucket-list destinations and enjoying numerous couples’ golf trips, cruises, and casino getaways. But the trips she cherished most were those shared with Andrea, Patrick, and the grandkids—memories she held closest to her heart.

Bette was preceded in death by her parents, Jiggs and Thelma Edwards, and by her sister, Anita Kay Watkins.

She is survived by her devoted husband of 55 years, Larry Long; her daughter, Andrea Hudson, and son-in-law Patrick Hudson; and her treasured grandchildren, Cole Hudson and Claire Hudson. She also leaves behind beloved nieces, nephews, special cousins, and many dear friends whose lives were brightened by her presence.

Bette lived a life rooted in love, service, humor, and resilience. She will be deeply missed and forever remembered.

A Celebration of Life service to honor Bette’s life will be held at Stonebriar Funeral Home and Cremation Services, located at 10375 Preston Road, Frisco, TX 75033, on December 14, 2025, starting at 11:00 am.