Julia Louise Massey

The family invites relatives and friends to "Celebrate the Life of Louise" with a service at First Baptist Church, Friday, May 28, 2010, at 10 a.m., which would be Louise's 99th birthday.

She was born in Stephenville, Texas, on May 28, 1911, in a Christian home to parents Ernest McPherson Beckworth and Eva Bertha (Reinhardt) Beckworth. Graveside serves were held at Monahans, Texas, cemetery pavilion, which was very sweet with Johnny Young presiding and Curtis Brewer singing "Amazing Grace" and "How Great Thou Art."

Louise attended Rock-Fall school, first through seventh grade and Bluff Dale, Texas High School eighth through eleventh grade, where she graduated. She married Walton Watson on November 3, 1929. One child was born to this marriage, a girl Patricia, March 9, 1931. They lived in Bluff Dale, Ft. Worth and Sunray, Texas, before moving to Penwell, Texas, in 1936, from Penwell to Odessa until 1942, when they were transferred to Loco Hills, New Mexico, this is where Louise drove the school bus into Artesia, New Mexico, worked as a clerk at the Post Office then drove the bus back, app. 80 miles round trip. Moved into Artesia 1945, working full time until she moved to Monahans, Texas, in 1952.

April 17, 1952, Louise married Earnly H. Freeman, after only 2 years, he passed away on June 3, 1954. Independent oil operator Joe V. Massey and Louise were married October 8, 1955, in Monahans where they lived and were active in First Baptist Church and the community. They enjoyed 30 happy years together before he passed away April 25, 1985. After Joe's death, Louise remained in Monahans till 1996 when she moved to Odessa, Texas. Again with her wonderful and caring disposition made many friends, loved her church, First Baptist, and always looked forward to attending her Sunday School, under the leadership of Louise Shiffer.

Louise had many talents and hobbies. She was an excellent seamstress, using a "Singer" treadle machine for years before the electric models. She enjoyed oil painting, which enabled her to present a solo exhibition at Texas Savings and Loan Gallery and Worked with the Jr. Art Show, encouraging talented youngsters. Her ceramic pieces were many, which she gave most away to friends and family. Other activities that benefited from her talent and dedication are the Monahans Library, Ward Memorial Hospital, Ward County Council for Retarded Children and Monahans Boys Club. Louise has always been interested in politics. She was president of the Ward County Democratic Club, Delegate to State Conventions and served as precinct chairman. As president of Nu Gama Study Club, she organized a class for 30 aliens, giving instructions on U.S. Citizenship. She received first place in oral reports at the Western District Convention and served as Home Life Affairs chairman.

In 1969, Louise received "Woman of the Year" in Monahans for her volunteer work and "Outstanding Club Woman of Texas" in 1971.

In 1970, Louise helped to establish and served over 20 years as director for the Ward County Senior Citizens Center in Monahans. This was a big and rewarding accomplishment that helped many citizens in Monahans. She was appointed to the Governor's Committee on Aging in 1970 and served 8 years.

For pleasure, she enjoyed playing bridge, traveling, bowling, visiting her good neighbors, friends and family and collecting dolls. As the years went by, her doll collection grew enormous to several hundred, consisting of old and new ones, becoming a very impressive collection.

Those left to cherish her love and memory: daughter, Pat Batie and husband Eugene of Odessa. Grandchildren: Dr. Rodney Batie and wife Cindy of Springfield, Ohio; Janet Sue (Batie) Smith and husband Ron of Abilene, Texas. Great-grandchildren: Monty (Bre) White, Jory White, Brad (Krystal) White, all of New Braunfels, Texas, Mary Louise Fuentes, Matthew (Elizabeth) Batie, and Melissa Batie all of Cincinnati, Ohio. Great-great-grandchildren: Jacob Fuentes, Sofia Fuentes, Estella Rose Fuentes, Ethan White and William Batie. Brother, A.V. Beckworth (102 yrs old) of Amarillo, Texas, sister-in-law, Dorothy Beckworth of Ft. Worth, Texas, and 10 nieces and nephews.

Louise was preceded in death by her parents; three brothers: John (Kathleen) Beckworth, Paul (Rosemary) Beckworth and Earl Beckworth; and a sister, Hazel (John) Clark and two nephews.

In charge of the service will be Byron McWilliams, Johnny Young and Dr. Rodney Batie. Song selections are by Curtis Brewer and La Rue Lewallen.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to First Baptist Church or your favorite charity in memory of Louise Massey.

The family is grateful that Louise is resting in our Lord and Savior's arms - where we will join her one day.

Arrangements under the direction of Hubbard-Kelly Funeral Home, Odessa, TX.