Betty Thompson was born in Alpine, Texas, on May 25, 1935. She was raised in Yoakum, Texas, where she graduated from high school in 1953. She graduated from Baylor University in 1957 and began her 38 years of service in Texas public education as a homemaking teacher at various Texas schools. Betty continued her career working for Austin Independent School District as a kindergarten teacher at Ridgetop Elementary and Blanton Elementary. She graduated from The University of Texas with a Masters in Library Science and completed her career as the librarian at Oak Springs Elementary.
In 1960, Betty married Horace Wayne Thompson, a teacher and coach, and they remained together until his death in 1993. When Betty and Horace moved to Austin in 1969, they joined Hyde Park Baptist Church, where she enjoyed teaching children’s and ladies’ Sunday School. She was supportive of children’s missions and charities. Betty was an avid collector of children’s picture books, cats, and antiques, to name a few.
Betty was preceded in death by her husband; Horace Wayne Thompson; her father, Harold Carl Byler; and her mother, Clara May Meek Byler.
Betty is survived by; her sister and brother-in-law, Pat and James Sessions; nephew, James [Gerda] Sessions; niece, Jo [Frank] Hamilton; nephew, Steven [Debbie] Sessions; nine grand nephews and nieces and their spouses; seventeen great nephews and nieces; and a host of beloved cousins and their families.
In lieu of flowers, the family suggests that memorial donations be given to Hyde Park Baptist Church.
