Betty Marie Lydick Bell

She was born on July 24th, 1930 in Hickory, North Carolina, as the first child of Donald and Lilla Lydick. Betty grew up in Columbus, Mississippi and graduated from Stephen Lee High School in 1948. She adored her brother, Sonny (Donald, Jr.), and was always attentive to the needs of her parents.

Following high school, Betty attended the University of Denver. She returned to Columbus where on September 3, 1950 she married her high school sweetheart, James Bell. She attended Mississippi State University before going back to Denver and working for Commercial Credit.

In 1951, Betty gave birth to Lilla Grace. After moving to Austin in 1953, she went to work for Malcolm Gregory, who owned Guaranty Finance Company, while Jim established himself in the car business. She gave birth to James Bell, Jr. in 1959. By then Betty had become an invaluable partner in helping manage Jim Bell Motors, which operated as an independent car dealership until Jim’s death in 2007.

Betty was a supportive wife, devoted parent and caring daughter to her aging parents. She was a member of Woodlawn Baptist Church, an accomplished Bridge player and a world traveler. Betty always kept up with current events and was a huge sports fan. She was passionate about Longhorn sports and well-versed in virtually all pro sports, with a special love for the Astros, Saints and Spurs.

Betty relished spending time with a variety of friends, but especially her best friend, Pat Akin, and her family. They shared a cabin on Lake Travis while raising their children. Betty and Pat played a special part in each other’s life for over sixty years. Another decades-long, notable friend was Pam Bell. Even as Betty’s activity and health declined, Pam was there for Betty.

Both of Betty’s children left Austin for about ten years for work and professional school before returning. Betty was grateful to have Lilla Grace take on her duties in the car business, and especially enjoyed their frequent lunches, travels and many other shared occasions. Her son and daughter-in-law, Suzanne, had four children who were a special part of her life. She was able to attend McLean’s (James, III) wedding to Taylor McCullough, and was very supportive of Trevor’s marriage to Juli Rudisel and Lara’s to Charlie Anderson.

Betty was preceded in death by her parents, Donald and Lilla Lydick; her spouse, James; her daughter and son-in-law, Lilla Grace and Timothy Sullivan; and her brother and sister-in-law, Sonny and Nancy Lydick. She is survived by her son and daughter-in-law, Jim and Suzanne Bell; her grandsons, McLean, Jackson and Trevor Bell; and granddaughter, Lara Bell Anderson. Other surviving family include: Harvey and Pam Bell, Nettie Plueckhahn, Debbie Wilkes, Vickie Peters (Barry), Don Lydick, III and Tom Lydick (Barb).

Special thanks to Iris Molina for her compassionate and dependable care. Cathy Wallace and Christina Dailey were also instrumental in keeping Betty comfortable in her waning days.

Betty will be laid to rest at a private graveside service on September 4th. In lieu of flowers, a contribution may be made in Betty’s name to the charity of your choice.