Betty Templeton Adkins

Betty Templeton Adkins-Gilliam passed away peacefully on October 14, 2025, after a long illness. She was born in Houston, Texas on December 27, 1933, the daughter of James Wilson Templeton and Leona Strayhorn Templeton.

Betty attended Roberts Elementary, Lanier Junior High, and Lamar High School. She excelled academically and especially enjoyed participating in the Lamar debate team. From a young age, she loved learning about any and everything. She received a BA in Liberal Arts, Plan II from the University of Texas in 1956. While at UT, she was a member of Delta Delta Delta and the Orange Jackets making many lifelong and cherished friendships in both. She returned to school in 1973 at 40, while raising her sons, and graduated from the University of Houston Bates College of Law. After graduating from law school, she enjoyed a wonderful and fulfilling career in probate and estate planning for over 35 years, again creating long lasting relationships with clients and fellow attorneys.

Betty valued education, service to others, friendship, family and Longhorn football. She was never happier than when taking a class, reading a book, traveling, discussing history or current events. She traveled extensively throughout the world, often with fellow Bayou Bend docents. Her travels took her to Iran, Nepal, Bhutan, India, Syria, Jordan, Lebanon, England, Italy, Belgium, Holland, Germany, China, Ireland, South Africa and Zimbabwe, to name a few, as well as destinations throughout the United States. Betty’s travels were learning expeditions, not leisurely vacations! She visited six out of the seven continents- a feat of which she was immensely proud! She attended Longhorn games faithfully for decades, including two Rose Bowls. She was thrilled to witness the Longhorns win the National Championship game in 2005.

Betty was one of the first docents at Bayou Bend in 1967 under the tutelage of Miss Ima Hogg. Betty was devoted to preserving Bayou

Bend’s history and Miss Ima’s vision. She spent many happy years giving tours at Bayou Bend and planning storied trips for the docents.

Betty was a loyal supporter of Rice University’s Baker Institute for Public Policy since its inception. She enjoyed lectures, travel and events and the intellectual learning it provided.

Betty married Robert Gilliam in March of 2010. They knew each other at “The University” and reconnected later in life. They had great fun traveling together, whether it was a road trip in Texas, around the United States or internationally. Robert was devoted to Betty and she to him. They made many wonderful memories together.

Betty is preceded in death by her parents and brother, James Richard Templeton. Betty is survived by her husband, Robert Gilliam; her sons, Marshall Adkins and wife Kim; Leigh Adkins and wife Kathryn; her grandchildren, Grant Adkins and fiancé Aby Cies, Danny Adkins and wife Marisa, Jimmy Adkins, Will Adkins and Mary Kate Adkins; her sister-in-law, Merry Templeton, niece Melissa Templeton Adams and nephew Mac Templeton and their families.

The family would like to express their appreciation to, Mrs. Guillermina Gomez and Betty’s niece Melissa Adams for their faithful service and Robert’s daughter, Jeanie Ross for her devotion to Betty. We would also like to express our thanks to The Tradition staff, Cintia Araujo, Stella Baggett, LaTasha Butler, Caroline Magadu, Vivian Ndikum, Rita Twumasi, Carolyn Smith, Aliyah Velasquez, and The Care Team Hospice for their dedicated care.

A memorial service is to be conducted at 11am on Monday, November 10th at St. Martin’s Episcopal Church, 717 Sage Road in Houston with The Rev. Gregory W. Cross officiating. Immediately following the service, all are invited to greet the family during a reception to be held in the adjacent Bagby Parish Hall. A live stream for the service will be available smec.org/funerals

In lieu of customary remembrances, memorial contributions may be directed toward Bayou Bend Collection and Gardens, P.O. Box 25026, Houston, Texas 77265, (please designate Betty’s name and

“acquisitions” in the memo line; or St. Martin’s Episcopal Church, 717 Sage Road, Houston, Texas 77056.