Betty Joyce Hansard

September 05, 1930 – June 29, 2025

Betty Joyce Colley Hansard (94) of Carrollton, Texas, and formerly from Farmers Branch, Texas, passed away on the morning of June 29th, 2025.

Betty was born September 05, 1930, at her parent’s home in Talco, Texas. She was the oldest of two children to Alvin Colley and Ruby O’Dea Colley.

When Betty was growing up in Oak Cliff, she and her friend, Doris, became lifelong confidants. They would hang out together at church events and work together too…including both holding differing jobs at Southwestern Bell Telephone in downtown Dallas. Eventually they both married, but their friendship didn’t end there. They had so much fun together as couples just as they did as teenage friends. Doris and Betty both lived well into their 90’s…occasionally sharing a warm phone call all the way till the end. What a wonderful example of true friendship! Doris died on June 5th and Betty followed suit in the same month. She talked with Doris just a few weeks before her passing.

Betty graduated from W. H. Adamson High School in Oak Cliff in 1947…the same year that she married. She was only 16. She and Glin were married on July 26th 1947 and it lasted for over 70 years…she was faithful to the end. What a testament to the power of God and the courage that it takes to make the decision to love one another each and every day.

Betty loved her Lord and Savior Jesus Christ and nothing could separate her from serving Him. She worked at many churches as a secretary…furthering her attempt to make a difference in the world. She grew up a Methodist, but Glin grew up Church of Christ. Needless to say, the two Christian viewpoints were an early challenge in their young marriage. They compromised and settled into a Presbyterian church in Farmers Branch. Eventually they found a church home at a spirit filled non-denominational church where their lives were truly transformed. Betty and Glin attended several Baptist churches with spirit filled pastors and members. This was a movement that forever changed the Baptist convention. It was controversial but no one could stop the Spirit from flowing. It was a great time for them and their two children. Her devotion to the Lord spilled over to her mother when she became ill. Betty was quick to take care for her in her final years. Betty loved her family and many friends.

She was a loving mother who demonstrated leadership through example, not through determination or forcefulness. Never overbearing, but always patient and loving. She showed strength through firmness, but she never let her children, grandchildren or great grandchildren faulter…because she was a steadfast prayer warrior…a silent but fierce supporter of the family.

Betty is remembered as someone who was gentle and kind, thoughtful, grateful and held in high esteem for her peacefulness through strength. She was a warm, genuine person, easy to be around and always showed a great sense of humor, bringing laughter to all. Many remember her as fun to be around. She was a woman of faith, prayer and loyalty. Oh, how proud we are of who she was.

She loved the beauty of the Colorado mountains, Jeep riding through the highest of snowcapped peaks, and camping alongside the peaceful rivers that flowed endlessly through the green and flower filled valleys. She enjoyed the natural habits of the cliff dwellings (homes) of past Indian tribes; the wind filled caverns of the Cave of the Winds; sculpting rock formations like Garden of the Gods; dinners at the Flying W Ranch and Bar D Ranch where Western cowboys provided great musical and vocal entertainment. She embraced the cool crispness of the clean mountain air and the clear blue skies that only the higher elevations seemed to provide. She also liked fishing for fun on occasion but nothing compared to a good ole Sunday afternoon Dallas Cowboys game and a lazy mid-afternoon nap after another football win. She also loved spending time with her friends and family who brought her so much joy.

Betty moved to Briarview Senior Living in May of 2022 due to health issues. Even though she was in decline, the staff and family lifted her up to new heights that brightened her smile and spirit. We will always be grateful for the time and friendships that were developed. It gave others the chance to enjoy Betty, who we all loved so much.

Betty is survived by her daughter Linda Renee Hansard Brackeen (husband Don) and son Kevin Ray Hansard (wife Stacy), grandchildren Jared Brackeen (wife Malia), Justin Brackeen (wife Julianne), Loren Hansard Harry (husband Judah), Chelsea Hansard Solano (husband Joe), great grandchildren Avery, Reese, Aiden, Hunter, Aria, Avelyn, Kallen, Jocelyn, and Brooks. She is preceded in death by her father, Alvin, and mother, Ruby, husband Glin, and brother Robert. Serving as pallbearers will be Kevin Hansard, Don Brackeen, Jared Brackeen, Justin Brackeen, Judah Harry, and Joe Solano.

We will miss her immensely.

Don’t worry Mom, we’ll be together again someday.