Mrs. Betty Lou Harwood

Born on February 16, 1937, in San Antonio, Texas, Betty spent her life in the city she always called home. She was a Christian whose faith remained a steady source of strength throughout her years, and those who knew her best remember her as loving, faith-filled, and optimistic. Her life reflected a quiet determination and a warm spirit that touched everyone around her.

Betty earned her Licensed Vocational Nursing diploma in San Antonio, Texas, beginning a career of care and compassion that would define much of her adult life. She served as an LVN at BAMC at Fort Sam Houston, where her work placed her in the service of others in a setting that required skill, patience, and dedication. Her professional life stood as a testament to her commitment to helping people with dignity and kindness.

Beyond her work, Betty lived a full and adventurous life. She enjoyed cooking, traveling, the outdoors, plants, camping, sewing, scouting, and the simple beauty of everyday life. She had the rare opportunity to live and travel in multiple countries, including Japan, the Philippines, and throughout Europe, as well as across the United States. These experiences broadened her world and added richness to the stories she shared with family and friends.

Family was central to Betty’s life. She was preceded in death by her husband, William C. Harwood Jr.; her parents Henry (born Huibregt Van Zoest) and Elva Ladage, older brother, Arie Raymond Ladage; her younger sister, Marietta Ladage; her son, William C. Harwood III; and her great-grandchild, Ethan Sosa. She is survived by her children, Daughter Sandra Lynn Harwood; Alicia Harwood, spouse of William III; Son James Patrick Harwood, spouse Georgia; and Son Michael Wayne Harwood, spouse Nina, and son Steven Raymond Harwood. She also leaves behind 16 grandchildren and 16 great-grandchildren, and numerous extended family, in-laws, nieces and nephews, and friends, each of whom carries forward a part of her legacy.

Those who loved Betty will remember her as a woman of strength and grace, someone who met life with optimism and met hardship with faith. Her presence brought comfort, her words brought encouragement, and her example left a lasting impression on those fortunate enough to know her. She was the kind of person whose care extended beyond duty and whose love was felt in the everyday moments that matter most.

As the news of her passing is shared, her life stands as a reminder of the value of service, family, and steadfast belief. Betty Lou Harwood lived with purpose, traveled with wonder, worked with compassion, and loved deeply. Her memory will remain a blessing to her family, friends, and all who were touched by her remarkable life.

As author Maya Angelou once said, “People will forget what you said, people will forget what you did, but people will never forget how you made them feel.” Betty Lou Harwood made many people feel loved, supported, and remembered, and that is a legacy that will endure.

A visitation will take place from 3:00-6:00 p.m., on Sunday, July 5, at Porter Loring Mortuary West.

A funeral service will take place at 11:30 a.m., on Monday, July 6, at Porter Loring Mortuary West, with a graveside service to follow at 2:00 p.m., at Fort Sam Houston National Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers the family ask you to consider a donation, in dedication to our Mom’s memory, to The Susan G. Koman Breast Cancer Foundation or for Heart Disease foundations. Below are some links you can donate to:

https://www.heart.org/en/get-involved/ways-to-give

https://www.komen.org/

https://theheartfoundation.org/