Betty R. Haywood

Betty Ruth (Connell) Haywood passed away Monday, June 12, 2023, surrounded by family. She was born in Eastland, Texas, on October 7, 1928, to Ada Myrtle Baggett Connell and Walter Lee Connell. Betty lived in Olden, Texas, her first 10 years, then moved with her family to Sweetwater, where she graduated from high school. After attending Hardin-Simmons University for two years, she completed her education at the Baylor School of Nursing, earning her R.N. certification and a Bachelor of Science degree. While at Baylor, she met her future husband, J.R. (Randy) Haywood, who was attending Baylor University School of Dentistry. They married in August 1950 in Sweetwater. In 1952 the couple settled in Odessa, where Randy practiced dentistry for 57 years. Following his death in 2012, Betty moved to Waco to be closer to their children.

She is survived by four children: Jan McDaniel and husband, Wes, of Grapevine; Dr. David Haywood and wife, Lea, of Mt. Pleasant; Jim Haywood, of Waco; and Joy Young and husband, Dr. Dean Young, of Waco. She loved time with her four grandchildren: Bonnie McDaniel Jones and husband, Trent, of Hurst; Tyler McDaniel, of Grapevine; Alissa Young Wiseman and husband, Scott, of Waco; and Dr. Phil Young, of Waco. She was also blessed with four great-grandchildren: Ellie Wiseman and Lily, Strider, and Rosie Jones. Other survivors include nieces and nephews.

In Odessa, Betty served her church, First Baptist Church of Odessa, for many years. She served on two pastoral search committees, served in various capacities in WMU, taught Sunday school to children and teens, visited prospective members, served in the Prayer Room, ministered in the homebound ministry, led the bereavement committee, and served on numerous other committees. She also volunteered with Mission Odessa and Meals on Wheels and helped on three dental/medical mission trips to Mexico.

In the community, Betty served as the president of the District 21C Texas Dental Wives Society, served on the board of the Globe of the Great Southwest, and supported the Midland-Odessa Symphony and Chorale, the Permian Playhouse, and other civic organizations.

In Waco, she was a member of the Mixson Sunday school class at Columbus Avenue Baptist Church, which she looked forward to attending each week. Eventually, she became the oldest member in attendance.

Betty taught her children about Jesus. Two days before her death, she asked if family members with her knew that Jesus died for them. Those with her read part of her favorite Bible passage in Ephesians 6, which creates a visual of the Christian preparing for spiritual battle. They also sang some of her favorite hymns, and she tried to join in.

Betty made each person feel special. For example, at family gatherings in her home, she made sure to have each person’s favorite food, even as the family grew. We loved her tender care, sweet smile, and good sense of humor. She introduced us to good books, taught us the value of education and service to others, laughed with us, comforted us, and showed us by example how to handle difficult situations.

In Odessa, services are set for Saturday, June 17, at Frank W. Wilson Funeral Directors, 4635 Oakwood Dr. Visitation will begin at 9:30 a.m. with a service at 10:00. Phillip Blair and Steve Lollar will officiate.

In Waco, a memorial service is set for the following Saturday, June 24, at 2:00 p.m. in the fellowship hall at Columbus Avenue Baptist Church and will also be led by Phillip Blair.

Memorials may be made to the Gideons International or to the missions or building fund at Columbus Avenue Baptist Church, 1300 Columbus Ave., Waco, TX 76701.

The family wishes to thank the staff at Providence Hospice House for their thoughtful care during Betty’s last few days.

A visitation for Betty will be held Saturday, June 17, 2023 from 9:30 AM to 10:00 AM at Frank W. Wilson Funeral Directors, 4635 Oakwood Dr, Odessa, Texas 79761. A funeral service will occur Saturday, June 17, 2023 from 10:00 AM to 11:00 AM, 4635 Oakwood Dr, Odessa, Texas 79761. A burial will occur Saturday, June 17, 2023 at Sunset Memorial Gardens, 6801 E 1-20 Business Loop, Odessa, Texas 79762.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.frankwwilson.com for the Haywood family.