Betty Lee Dance Coit

Betty Lee Dance Coit passed away on December 17, 2025 at the age of 95. She was born on May 15, 1930, in Gibsland, Louisiana, to Willie “Bill” Walt and Zelma Babb Dance. Betty was preceded in death by her parents and her beloved son, Keith, as well as her sisters, Nancy Babb Cross and Billie Sue Harris.

In 1947, Betty graduated from Giblsand High School and in 1951, Betty graduated from MSWC (now Mississippi University for Women) in Columbus, Mississippi with a double major (Mathematics and Library Science). She then went to work for Louisiana State University Library in Baton Rouge, Louisiana for two years and later for Texas A&M University Library, at College Station, Texas for three years. In 1957, Betty was employed by Conoco, Inc., Houston, Texas, as an Administrative Supervisor in charge of the annual reporting of oil reserves. She retired from Conoco-Phillips in 1994.

Annual vacations always included travel. Starting when her son, Keith was very young until his mid-teenage years, fun loving trips were made to different areas of the U.S. and Canada (including camp-outs at the National Parks). Eventually, all state capitols, including Hawaii and Alaska, were visited. Later, Betty enjoyed overseas tours to Europe (England, Ireland, Scandinavian countries, France, Germany, Italy, Greece, Russia, etc.,) and Asia (China, Japan, India, five times to the Holy Land, etc.), usually with Christian groups.

Betty’s life was blessed with numerous mountain-top experiences as well as the valleys. The most devastating heartbreak occurred on March 14, 2006, when her son, Keith, aged 49, died. In spite of this terrible loss, Betty always faced life with her faith in Jesus Christ, her optimism and cheerfulness, striving to spread joy and goodwill to all she encountered with her generosity and loving kindness. She lived by the philosophy, “Remember the best and forget the rest.”

Betty is survived by her nieces, Nancy Morris and Lindsay Rougeau, her nephews, Andy Smith and Burton Smith and many great nieces and nephews as well as loving neighbors, caregivers and friends.

The funeral will be held at Forest Park Westheimer Funeral Home on Sunday, December 21, 2025 at 2pm with visitation beginning at 1pm.