Bettye Merle Mead

Bettye Merle Mead, our beloved mother and grandmother, left this earth on Friday, January 12, 2007. She has now regained her voice, which she lost in her battle with ALS, and she is singing in heaven.

"Teena" was born in Odessa, Texas on November 23, 1936. She attended Harlandale High School and became an RN after graduating from the Baptist School of Nursing. She earned her Bachelor's Degree in Health at SWTSU and a Master's Degree in Counseling at St. Mary's University.

She took pride in creating a loving and supportive home for her three children, Larry Cheesman Brenda, Bettina Pierce, and Mary "Lee" Jinks James. She was a proud and doting grandmother to her six grandchildren: Matthew & James Cheesman, Eileen & Janelle Pierce, Emily DeLaGarza, and Abigail Jinks. She is also survived by her sisters and brothers, Cornelia "Bobbie" Jordan Pat, Leona Gayle Fontenot Earl, David Mead, Gary Paul Mead and Judy Mead.

She is preceded in death by her parents, Bolton & Ruby Mead and her sister, Darla Jean Carlson.

She worked as a Psychiatric Nurse for 40 years; many of them at the San Antonio State Hospital and the Audie Murphy VA Hospital, where she met her dear friends, Jocelyn Ronan and Vicky Sokol.

She lived her life as a no-nonsense and energetic go-getter who was generous and fun to be around. She was an avid movie-goer, a devoted Spurs fan, and an antiques and collectibles enthusiast.