Betty Williams Howell O'Connell

Betty Bingham Williams Howell O’Connell went to heaven to be with our Lord and Savior, and countless loved ones, on May 6th, 2026. Born April 20th, 1927, she lived an amazing and joy-filled 99 years. She had a deep faith in and love of God that directed her entire life. She truly walked the walk.

Betty grew up in Breckenridge, Texas and was proud of her West Texas roots. As an only child, she was the apple of her parents’ eyes (Clara King & Paul F. Williams) and the center of their universe. She often reminisced about the love and devotion of their little family and the people of small town Breckenridge in a simpler time.

Betty knew the moment she saw Percy Wray Howell, that he was the one she was going to marry. A few years behind him in high school, Betty did not appear on his radar until God saw fit, several years down the road. She attended the University of Texas, where she was a proud member of Delta Delta Delta, Theta Zeta chapter. Her parents made her promise to get a degree, in a time when education for women was fairly unusual. During her time at UT, she made lifelong friends, had many dates, was “engaged” 7 times (she always gave the ring back when she knew they weren’t “the one”) and graduated with a degree in English and Journalism.

Shortly thereafter, Percy realized what he was missing out on and proposed. As a pilot in the United States Air Force, he and Betty lived around the world and had many adventures. She was a gracious military wife and wore many hats at all times. They shared three children, Robert (Bob) Lynn Howell, Susan Morris Howell, and Paul Elbert Howell. Together, they lived all over the US and places abroad. When Percy tragically died in Vietnam, Betty and her kids were obviously distraught, but she kept trusting in the Lord and guiding her family toward the light.

She used that unassuming UT English degree and became a 2nd grade teacher. She supported herthree children on a teacher’s wage, trust in God, and faith that they would get through the hard times together.

Thankfully, God brought them to San Antonio in 1963, where she met the other loves of her life, Williston J. (Bill) O’Connell and his children Pat, Warren, Charity, Wayne and Scott. They married in 1970, and seamlessly combined families, making every day a party. They were the Brady Bunch, but better. Brothers, sisters, and friends, with Betty at the center of it all. She couldn’t have been more proud of the lives they built together and the family they became.

Betty spent many of her favorite years working for Bible Study Fellowship as an author, editor, typesetter, student, teacher and believer. She was the “house mom” to those being trained on campus and assistant to the Division Head of Training. She was sure to make everyone feel at home. She loved being a part of the congregation at Alamo Heights United Methodist Church, where she was part of the prayer room, many Sunday school classes and a greeter for so many years. Betty also enjoyed playing Mah-Jong weekly, going to fabulous restaurants and spending time with her loved ones. She never missed anyone’s birthday and was always first to send an encouraging word in letters and cards. Not only was her handwriting very recognizably beautiful, her messages were deeply thoughtful and poetically heartfelt.

Life got complicated along the way, as it often does and the family went through more than its fair share of trials, illnesses, divorces and deaths. But above all, her unwavering faith in the Lord sustained her and kept the positive tempo of the family going, with laughter, devotion to God, and loyalty to family. Betty had a radiant personality that naturally complemented an obvious outward beauty and quiet inner perseverance. She chose JOY every single day, no matter how difficult the circumstances may have been.

Betty is preceded in death by her parents, first husband Percy and second husband Bill; sons Paul Howell, J. Pat O’Connell, Warren O’Connell and Scott O’Connell; daughter Susan Howell Adams and son-in law Arch; and grandson, Jordan O’Connell. She is survived by sons Bob Howell (Ruan) and Wayne O’Connell; daughter Charity Yarborough Cox (Wally); and daughters-in-law Barbie Sumner O’Connell, CeCelia Stone O’Connell, Dee Werner O’Connell. She is also survived by her grandchildren who loved their “MiMi” so dearly: Leah Love(Christine), Bingham Adams Shelton (Tyler), Quin Howell (Darla), Christopher O’Connell, Tricia O’Connell(Robby Nussbaum), Alexandra O’Connell Day(Rob), Neal O’Connell, Patrick Yarborough(Lauren), Mollie Yarborough Steele(Andrew), Jacqueline O’Connell, Mackenzie O’Connell Berg (Griffin), Randi Stevens (Greg) and Russell Richardson.

Betty was blessed to have several great grandchildren Savannah Howell, Cedar and Maggie Love, Mae and Holden Shelton, Mia Day, Karlee O’Connell, Mary Leigh Yarborough, Forest and Eliana Steele, Brooklyn Berg, Madison Miller (Aaron),Ally and Abby Stevens, Brielle Richardson, and one great, great grandchild, Matthew Miller.

The Family would like to extend its endless gratitude to the friends, companions and caretakers – especially Virginia Garcia, Cathy Craig, Cyndy Crites, Sandra Glomski, Stella Edwards, Dan Manupelli, Diana and Michael Schick, and Kim and Wade Shelton– who made sure her last few years kept her engaged and joyous. Thanks to the staff at the Forum at Lincoln Heights, especially Miranda, Susie, Serenity, Jackie, Shelley and Stephanie. And a special thank you to Vitas Hospice Care, especially Nathan, Susan, and Savannah.

Please join the family in celebrating Betty’s life on Saturday June 6th, 2026 at 11:00 A.M. at Porter Loring Mortuary, 1101 McCullough Ave, with a reception to follow. We invite you to honor her by wearing something yellow, her favorite joyous color.