Betty Sue Williams

Betty Sue Williams, 91, passed away June 15, 2019 in Arlington, TX.

Betty was born February 24, 1928 to Augustus Jackson Thornton & Alta Dona Matthews Thornton in Burleson, Texas. She graduated from TCU with a bachelor’s degree in Drama. She performed in several college Plays, and won the first Wilber award for her performance in “The Glass Menagerie”. She later earned a master’s degree in Education at Texas Women’s College. She taught school at Bloodworth in Johnson County, taught special education in Pantego, Texas, and later worked with home bound students in the Arlington School District. She also taught ESL with the Fort Worth and Arlington school districts. Betty had a true love as well as talent for teaching. She was named TX state teacher of the year twice in her career. She also volunteered at the Arlington Shelter in a teaching capacity.

Betty also worked with American Airlines in different departments, and acted as an AA ambassador which allowed her to travel all over the world. She was an active member of the First Church of Christ Scientist in Arlington, and served as 2nd reader as well as serving on the board. Her love of God, and constant seeking for spiritual truth heightened her love for people. She was well respected by coworkers, and she had a marvelous sense of humor which lightened any situation.

She married Gardner Williams in 1967, which created a blended family of 4 teenagers, Susie, Debbie, Phillip and Lisa. Throughout their 52 year marriage, Betty was a devoted and loving wife, mother, and grandmother. Her gracious and generous nature and her infectious smile won her many close friends. She had a way of seeing the good in everyone.

Betty was preceded in death by her parents, Sisters Dorothy and Vaudene, and her children Lisa and Phillip.

Survivors: Husband Gardner Williams, Daughters, Teresa S. Williams-Dupont & husband Steve, Deborah Woods-Owens & husband Mark, 5 Grandchildren, 9 great grandchildren, and 2 great-great grandchildren, as well as nieces and nephews and a host of many relatives and friends.