Betty Laverne Coker Strey was born on February 16, 1941, to parents Simeon and Lois Coker. She made her entry into heaven on May 9, 2025, 84 years after she made her entrance into the world. She is survived by two daughters, Stefanie Strey and Kelly Horsley, and three grandsons, Jacob, Levi, and Aidan Horsley along with many nieces and nephews. She is preceded in death by her parents, Lois and Simeon Coker, her husband, Murray Strey, and all six of her siblings; Herbert Coker, Mary Pardue, Charles Coker, Shirley Coker, Robert Coker, and Charlotte Kelly.
Betty was born in Bastrop, TX, the fifth of seven children to be born to her parents. She grew up in the Heights where she attended and graduated from Jeff Davis High School. She along with many other friends worked at CenterPoint, which was once known as the gas company. That’s where she met her future husband, Murray. Betty and Murray were married in September of 1961 and were married for thirty-three years until Murray passed away in January of 1995. In 1964 they welcomed their first child, Stefanie, and twelve years later, Kelly was born.
Betty was an avid crafter and seamstress, sewing many Halloween costumes and dance costumes over the years. She loved painting and gardening and decorating her home. Prior to Murray’s death, the family spent time together on vacations during the summer and camping trips on the weekend. Christmas was one of the family’s favorite holidays and they spent time decorating and celebrating together.
She was a nurturing, loving mom. She was a good listener and definitely had an opinion on things. She was a wonderful Mimi and friend to many. She also had a great sense of humor and loved to laugh. So, the answer she gave to the neurologist was very on brand for her. One of the last things she said when asked by the neurologist if there was anything he could do for her, the answer was, “Put me on Trump’s plane and get me out of here.” We will remember her for the strong, smart, funny, Texas woman that she was.
A celebration of life for Betty will be held Saturday, June 21, 2025 from 11:00 AM to 12:00 PM at Forest Park Westheimer Funeral Home, 12800 Westheimer Road, Houston, TX 77077. Following the celebration of life will be a committal service from 12:00 PM to 12:30 PM at Forest Park Westheimer Cemetery, 12800 Westheimer Rd, Houston, TX 77077.
