Betty Jene Baty Arrell

She was born on Thanksgiving morning, November 28, 1935, to the Rev. and Mrs. Milton Baty. She was the second child born and remained the delight of her father throughout her life. Betty’s father was a Southern Baptist pastor, and her mother, Tommie Lue, was deeply involved in church life, particularly in the Woman’s Missionary Union.

From the beginning of her life, Betty was surrounded by love and grounded in God’s Holy Word. She often said she could not remember a time when she did not know that God loved her and sent His Son, Jesus, to die for her sins. She was cherished not only by her parents but also by her older brother, Ben whom she lovingly described as her hero and guardian angel. He watched over her throughout her life. She proudly bore the name “Jene,” after her mother’s older brother, whom she adored.

At the age of five, Betty accepted Jesus, gave her life to Him, and for the rest of her life sought to serve Him and bring others to faith. She lived this calling by serving those who were hurting or whose lives had been broken.

Because of her father’s ministry, the family moved frequently during her childhood, and Betty lived in many cities across Texas. In each place, she was embraced by the congregations her father served. She began school in Covington, Texas, and graduated from high school in Tuscola, Texas, in 1954. That fall, she entered Hardin-Simmons University on an academic scholarship and graduated as valedictorian of her class. She studied social work and followed this profession for more than fifty years. Even after retiring to focus on her home and family, she continued to use her skills as a caseworker, volunteering primarily with Baptist agencies. She delighted in offering her services without charge, often saying she owed it in gratitude for the many blessings she had received as a product of Texas Baptist life.

While attending Hardin-Simmons University, Betty met Vernon Maxwell Arrell, known as Max. They married on May 28, 1959, shortly after he completed his education. Throughout her life, Betty referred to Max as “the man God gave to me.” She adored him, never loved another, and often called him the man of her dreams. Though life was not without challenges, they shared a strong and loving marriage, and Max consistently encouraged Betty to follow what she believed the Lord was calling her to do.

Betty worked as a social worker at Abilene State School as an intake caseworker, presenting cases for admission and care. She also served at Methodist Hospital in Lubbock in the emergency room, at Buckner Home in Dallas handling adoptions and a mother’s aid program, and at the West Texas Rehabilitation Center in Abilene as a medical social worker helping determine appropriate treatment and aftercare.

After Max was transferred to Austin for work, Betty retired from her professional career to focus on family life. Their only child, Elizabeth Luann, was born, and from that point forward Betty’s primary devotion was to her husband, her child, and, as time allowed, her church.

Betty followed her parents in developing a deep love for missions. She often said she participated in missions for the sole purpose of using whatever she did as a way to earn the right to share the hope that was within her.

Throughout her life, Betty participated in many mission projects. Among the most significant was her twenty-five years of service in AIDS ministry to those infected with HIV and their loved ones. During this time, she not only ministered directly to those affected but also worked to educate fellow Baptists and encourage involvement. She learned early that fear often prevents people from following God’s leading, and she sought to live as an example of faithful obedience.

She also loved serving as a “blue cap” with Texas Baptist Men, responding wherever disasters occurred. Another ministry close to her heart was serving as an “angel chief” at the Fisher Houses at Brooke Army Hospital in San Antonio, supporting wounded warriors and their families. A proud American, Betty believed deeply that those willing to fight and die for this nation deserved profound gratitude and lifelong care.

Betty often referred to her work in missions as “her journey of joy.” She liked to say she did it because it was the noble thing to do, but she freely admitted the truth was that it brought her great joy.

A woman of strong faith, Betty believed God was sovereign and that nothing entered her life without the foreknowledge of her Savior. Because of this, she faced life’s challenges with strength and trust. This did not mean she was never afraid or hurt by the choices of others, but she consistently placed the outcome in the Lord’s hands. This faith carried her through breast cancer and other difficult seasons, grounded in her assurance that her “Heavenly Father watches over me.”

Beyond her family, Betty’s greatest love was her local church. At the time of her death, she was a member of Austin Baptist Church in Austin, Texas.

Throughout her life, Betty held many positions of responsibility within the church. She served as a Bible teacher, WMU Director, member and officer of her local Baptist Association, member of the Board of Hardin-Simmons University, member of the Texas WMU board, and member of the Executive Board of the Baptist General Convention of Texas.

Betty’s many loves included her Lord and His church, her husband, her daughter, her grandchildren, Katherine Elaine and Braden Michael, and her extended family.

Betty was preceded in death by her husband, Vernon Maxwell Arrell. She is survived by her daughter, Elizabeth Luann Dickerson; her grandchildren, Katherine Elaine and Braden Michael; and extended family who will cherish her memory.