Bettie Burleson Griffin

Bettie Burleson Griffin, a beloved mother, grandmother, and cherished member of her community, passed away peacefully at her home in Garrison, Texas, on November 10, 2026, at the age of 99. She was born on November 10, 1927, in San Augustine, Texas, to James Marcus Burleson and Virginia Thompson Burleson.

Bettie graduated from San Augustine High School and later married Robert Griffin on June 2, 1958. Following their marriage, she began her working career at REA before eventually joining the staff at Stephen F. Austin State University, where she continued her career. A major part of Bettie B. Griffin’s life was devoted to Stephen F. Austin State University (SFA). Her association with the university began in December 1958, when she was hired as secretary of the Athletic Department. She worked there for 16 years and later served on the SFA Foundation Board for several decades. During her years in the Athletic Department, SFA’s athletic program consisted of five sports: football, basketball, track, golf, and tennis. While working full-time, Bettie also took classes at SFA, often using her lunch hour to further her education. University President Dr. Ralph Steen recognized and complimented her dedication. He remarked that, since SFA was a teaching institution, perhaps all non-degree undergraduate staff members should be encouraged to follow her example. In 1973, the Nacogdoches Independent School District offered Bettie a senior-level English teaching position. This was the fulfillment of a longtime dream. When she shared the news with the Athletic Director, he responded that if she were offered a professional position, she would take it. Before she left, however, he asked her to complete several important responsibilities: assign assistant coaches to their Fieldhouse offices, arrange for the training room's supplies and equipment, and interview and hire three secretaries to take her place. It was a wonderful sendoff as she began the next chapter of her career. Even after leaving the Athletic Department, Bettie's connection with SFA continued. As a classroom teacher, she maintained a partnership with the university by helping train future teachers and working with interns and student teachers. She was invited to conduct periodic workshops for entire student-teacher classes, which she taught on the SFA campus. Although she did not have a formal office, she was given a small space in Mike Moses's office. She continued this work for three to four years. In 1975, an opportunity arose in the SFA Psychology Department. The department needed someone to teach indoctrinate students to Old Age and all of its complexities-gerontology. At the time, Bettie was still teaching English classes daily at Nacogdoches High School. With her already demanding schedule, she eventually had to give up the additional teaching responsibilities and close her office in the Psychology Department. When Bettie retired from classroom teaching, the SFA Secondary Education Department contacted her with another opportunity. She was hired to supervise and evaluate student teachers in the field. For the next 12 years, she worked with schools in Lufkin, Woden ISD, Central Pollock, and Central Heights, continuing her commitment to preparing the next generation of Educators.

Her family's connection to SFA was equally meaningful. Several members of her family earned degrees from the university, totaling five undergraduate degrees and three master's degrees. Bettie was deeply grateful that SFA had remained accessible to her and her family for 57 years. Her husband, Robert J. Griffin Jr., also shared a special affection for SFA. Although he graduated from Texas A&M University in 1937, his love for SFA began much earlier, when he attended as a freshman. His mother eventually realized that he needed a different academic environment and sent him to Texas A&M. Nevertheless, Robert remained a devoted and faithful fan of SFA athletics. His enthusiasm became something he and Bettie shared throughout their lives. For Bettie and her family, SFA was much more than a university. It was a place of opportunity, education, lifelong friendships, family connections, and cherished memories. Her many years of service reflect a deep and lasting appreciation for an institution that played such an important role in her life.

Bettie was an active member of her community and took great pride in her various affiliations and organizations. She was a member of Christ Episcopal Church in both Nacogdoches and San Augustine, Texas. She was also involved with the National Cattlemen’s Association and the Texas Southwestern Cattle Raisers Association. Additionally, Bettie was a member of Delta Kappa Gamma, where she had the honor of serving as president.

She is survived by her daughter, Reverend Patsy Barham; grandsons, George Barham and wife Amanda, and Robert Barham and wife Kathryn; granddaughters, Bonnie Hawk and husband Jason, Elizabeth Thornton and husband David, and Margaret Golembiewski and husband Jonathan; great-grandchildren, Bryce Barham, Luke Barham and wife Malia, Shawn Holmes, Lawson Barnwell, Griffin Barham, Kylee Hawk, Anna Hawk, Lyla Thornton, and Reed Thornton; and great-great-grandson, Maverick Barham.

She is also survived by her sister, Jamie Holt and husband Roger; great-nieces and nephews, Stephen Holley and wife Fran, Kenny Holley and wife Polly, Carole Brueggerman and husband Bill, and Virginia Liepman, Cathy Doherty; along with numerous other nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Jim and Virgie Burleson; her husband, Robert Griffin; her daughter, Debbie G. Milham; her son-in-law, George S. Barham III; and her sister, Margaret Holly