Betty Jo (Gibbs) Seay

Betty Jo (Gibbs) Seay graced this world with her presence, living a life rich with love, compassion, and service. Born on April 6, 1930, in Houston, she was a proud native Houstonian, the beloved second child of Daisy and Jim Gibbs. Betty and her brother James were raised in the vibrant community of the Heights, under the caring guidance of their grandmother, Bertha Weed.

Betty's magnetic personality shone brightly from her high school days, where her popularity was such that one of her teachers immortalized her in a song titled “Don’t you know, Betty Jo”. After graduating from Reagan High School, Betty pursued her passion for nursing with a scholarship from the River Oaks Friendship Club, enrolling in Hermann Hospital’s Nursing School.

In 1953, Betty married the love of her life, Dale Seay, at the First Methodist Church in Houston, beginning a beautiful journey together that took them to San Antonio. Tragedy struck in 1955 with the loss of Betty's beloved brother James in an airplane crash over Germany, followed by the passing of her grandmother and mother within a year.

Despite facing such heartache, Betty and Dale welcomed the joy of parenthood with the birth of their daughters, Sherry and Mary. Betty found fulfillment in her career in Occupational Nursing, serving at institutions such as USAA, Lone Star Brewery, and Pearl Brewery, while remaining steadfast in her faith as a strict Southern Baptist.

Returning to Houston in 1969, Betty continued her nursing career, eventually opening the Health Center at Geosource, Inc., where she touched countless lives with her compassion and expertise. Active in professional organizations like the Occupational Nurse’s Association, Betty forged lifelong friendships and dedicated herself to teaching CPR classes and promoting health awareness.

Betty's role as a grandmother brought her immense joy, and she cherished every moment spent with her grandchildren, Kathryn, Sara , and Thomas Millington. Her commitment to community extended to her involvement in Memorial Drive Presbyterian Church, where she volunteered tirelessly and nurtured her passion for the arts by ushering at local performances.

Before Dale's passing in 2008, Betty's resilience and compassion continued to shine as she cared for him at home with her daughter Mary. Moving to Sun City, Texas, she remained active in community service, joining organizations like the Daughters of the Nile and The Daughters of the Republic of Texas.

Betty's legacy of love and service lives on in her daughters, grandchildren, and great-granddaughter, as well as in the hearts of all who were fortunate enough to know her. She passed away on February 19, 2024, leaving behind a tapestry of memories and a profound impact on all who were touched by her kindness and grace. Though she may be gone, her spirit will forever illuminate the lives of those she loved and inspired.

Graveside services were held at 2:00 p.m. on Friday, March 1, 2024 at Houston National Cemetery, 10410 Veterans Memorial Drive in Houston, Texas.

A Celebration of Life service began at 10:00 a.m. on Saturday, March 16 at Covenant Presbyterian Church, 3003 Northland Drive in Austin, Texas.