Betty Jane Bireley

Betty Jane Murphy Wuest Bireley peacefully entered into the arms of God at her home, surrounded in the love of her children on October 14th, 2013. Betty Jane was born on September 27, 1927 in San Antonio, Texas to Willie Frank and Oletha Outler Murphy. She taught for 25 years at Patti Welder Junior High School, where her students affectionately called her “The Frog Lady” because of her vast collection of unique ceramic and stuffed frogs in her classroom. After 27 years with VISD, she retired in 1991 to pursue her interests in antiques and genealogy. She was a member of St. Francis Episcopal Church where she served as organist and choir director, and participated in all aspects of the life of the church. She was an active member of the Daughters of the Republic of Texas, Daughters of the American Colonists, Texas State Genealogical Society and the Victoria County Genealogical Society. Her family history was a legacy she wanted to leave to her children, so after years of research, she wrote and published the genealogy of both of her parents. Betty always had a smile on her face and her Irish wit made her a joy to be with. Her values truly were faith, family, and friends,

Betty is survived by her children Claudia Schoener (Alvin Ray), Robert B. Wuest Jr.from Fort Worth, Peggy Broome (Billy), Douglas Wuest (Deborah), Amy Wuest (Shawn Todd), 13 grandchildren and 14 great-grandchildren.

She was preceded in death by her parents, and the love of her life, husband Jimmie F. Bireley.

We want to thank all the people who helped us take care of mother. We are especially grateful to her full-time care-givers Ruth DeYoung, Paula Rodriguez, and Eva Mirelez. We also extend a heartfelt thank you to the entire team at Hospice of South Texas, especially Dr. Whitehouse, her nurses Beth and Joe, aide Shirlene, and volunteers Mary Margaret and Patsy. You made such a difference in her life and ours.

Visitation and a celebration of her life with the sharing of memories will be held at Rosewood Funeral Chapel on Wednesday, October 16th from 5 – 7 PM. On Thursday, October 17th , the funeral procession for family and friends will leave Rosewood Funeral Chapels at 9:40 AM with graveside services to be held at 10 AM in Memory Gardens Cemetery, followed by a Memorial Service at St. Francis Episcopal Church at 11 AM to be celebrated by The Rev. Stephen W. Carson.

Pallbearers will be grandsons David Schoener, Derrick Broome, Patrick Broome, John Wuest, Jacob Pauly and family friend, Slade Johnson. Honorary pallbearers are the employees of Oilfield Wholesale Inc. and Jak’s Machine.

Memorials in her memory may be made to Hospice of South Texas, St. Francis Episcopal Church Memorial Fund, or The Alzheimer’s Association.

Words of comfort may be shared with the family at www.rosewoodfuneralchapel.com