(December 20, 1943 – May 12, 2024)
Betty Jo Cook Williams, a servant leader, purveyor of history, and self-appointed community beautifier, passed away at home on Mother’s Day, May 12, 2024, surrounded by her family.
A World War II era baby, Betty was born on December 20, 1943, at the Station Hospital at Eglin Airforce Base in Florida, during her father’s tour of duty.
Betty grew up on a small family farm in Henderson County, Texas, blessed with the care and nurture of a loving family. This childhood experience helped cultivate Betty’s passion for horticulture, conservation, and the values of self-reliance, and civic and personal responsibility. She remained close with many of her childhood friends throughout her life, a trait she is well-known for - if you were Betty’s friend, you were her friend for life.
Betty, a teacher, graduated with honors from East Texas State University in Commerce, Texas with both her Bachelor of Art and Masters of Education. It was at East Texas State University that she met her husband of 58 years, Doug Williams. She taught 32 of her 33 years in a Texas public classroom, and 20 of those years with the Texarkana Independent School District (TISD). A lifelong learner, Betty regularly participated in professional development workshops and lectures, including training with the Hatton W. Sumner Institute. After retiring from TISD, she remained active as a regular volunteer with Highland Park Elementary and with new teacher training programs.
Quiet and unassuming, Betty preferred to affect change behind the scenes, with little or no recognition. Often described as generous, kind, hardworking, astute, and humble, Betty was most happy when she was spending time with her family and serving others, as evidenced by her long record of civic involvement.
Betty is the Past Chairperson, Board Member & Tutor for the Bowie & Miller County Literacy Council, a Texas Legislative Committee Member for Delta Kappa Gamma, District 8 Director, and Local Treasurer & Member of Texas Classroom Teachers’ Association (TCTA). She was also selected as the “Retired Teacher of the Year” for the State of Texas by TCTA in 2003.
Betty was a Member, Officer and Past Regent of the Lone Star Chapter, Daughters of the American Revolution, the Reverend Pierre Robert (Huguenot) Association as well as a Member of the District 1 Grievance Committee for the State Bar of Texas. She served as a Bowie County Election Judge for more than 2 decades as well as a Republican Precinct Chairperson and a Delegate to County and State GOP Conventions.
Betty is a Past Member of the Building & Standards Commission for the City of Texarkana, Texas and served as the Texarkana, Texas City Councilperson for Ward 3 from 2016 until her passing.
Betty is survived by her husband Doug, two children - Andrea Williams McCoy (Pat) and Alton Williams (Trinh), 4 grandchildren - John Landen Wiliams, Atticus Wilson, Tung Vy, and Ella Coffey (Jacob), and 2 great-grandchildren - Adeline and Eamonn Coffey, sister Pat DeRosa, and numerous cousins, nieces, nephews, close friends, and colleagues.
She is preceded in death by her parents, Joe & Ruth Cook, parents-in-law, Merle & Helen Williams, and brothers-in-law, Marshall Williams, and Duane Williams.
A Celebration of Life Memorial Service will be held at Walnut Church of Christ in Texarkana, Texas on Friday, May 24th @ 10am. The family invites attendees to join them for a visitation and lunch immediately following the service in the church family life center – all are welcome.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests that memorials be made to:
Lone Star Chapter, DAR – Scholarship Fund
Contact: Tammie Duncan [email protected]
Texarkana Museums System – Ace of Clubs Restoration Project
Contact: Emily Tarr [email protected]
Salvation Army of Texarkana
Contact: Beth Pesek [email protected]
Walnut Church of Christ – Homeless Ministry
Contact: Angela Gideons [email protected]
Condolences may be left at www.eastfuneralhomes.com
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