Betty Lee Brandt

Betty Lee BrandtJuly 27, 1930-November 11, 2020Mom was born on July 27, 1930 as the fourth child of Vincent Clarence Bash and BessieGordon Bash. Vincent and Bessie went on to have seven children in total, all growing up inTulsa, Oklahoma.

Mom married the love of her life, Stephen Hubert Brandt, Jr, the only son of Stephen andFrancis Brandt, on August 18th, 1950. Their union produced ten children prior to Stephen'sdeath on April 20, 1966, in Amarillo, TX. Mom later married Jerry Lyons and their unionproduced one more child, for a grand total of eleven children. As one might have guessed bynow, mom was a devout Catholic who lived, breathed and walked in her faith throughout her life.

When mom’s youngest child entered school, mom decided to go to college to earn herBachelor's degree in Elementary Education. Upon earning her teaching certificate, mom taughtin the Amarillo school system for six years and then went on to share her teaching talents inAustin, TX until she retired in 1994. She continued to substitute teach in the area for severalmore years.

Over the course of her adult life, mom suffered unimaginable losses to include losing a child atthe age of eighteen months, a husband at the age of 39, a son at the age of 18 and another sonat the age of 49. Throughout the heartbreak, Mom continued to put one foot in front of theother and loved her remaining children above all else. Her greatest joys were her children,grandchildren, great-grandchildren, dogs, horses (actually animals of any kind….except cats,she wasn’t a fan of cats) and eating out.

Mom leaves behind a cadre of broken hearts and cherished memories. Although we will missher more than words can convey, will will strive to emulate her strength, love and feistiness.God Bless you Mom and thank you.

Mom left us with this poem:

When I die give what’s left of me awayto children and old men that wait to die.And if you need to cry,cry for your brother walking the street beside you.And when you need me, put your arms around anyoneand give them what you need to give me.I want to leave you something,something better than words or sounds.Look for me in the people I’ve known or loved,and if you cannot give me away,at least let me live on in your eyes and not in your mind.You can love me best by letting hands touch hands,and by letting go of children that need to be free.Love doesn’t die, people do.

So, when all that’s left of me is love,give me away.I’ll see you at home.

Merrit Malloy