Betty Docia Williams

Betty Docia Schultz Williams, age 92, a long time residence of San Antonio, Texas passed away on July 17, 2023 in Bowie, Texas. She was born on September 12, 1930 in St. Louis, Missouri to John Frederick Schultz and Statire Thornton Schultz. She was married to Lt. Roy D. Williams who was with the Texas Department of Public Safety for 35 years and when he retired in 1993, they became world travelers. Docia conducted tours in Europe, South America, Canada, Mexico, and China. A veteran of over one hundred cruises, Docia confessed to being a “cruise junkie.” She was happiest when aboard an ocean-going vessel.

She was a graduate of Texas State College for Women (now Texas Woman’s University) with a B. S. Degree in Merchandising. She was Texas A & M Cotton Ball Queen, 1950, Texas A & M Regimental Sweetheart, Cotton Ball Duchess in 1951, and Who’s Who in American Universities and Colleges in 1951.

Since her teen years, Docia pursued a career in the fashion industry. She trained as a model at Neiman Marcus of Dallas. During her college years, she modeled professionally for Sanger Brothers and Neiman Marcus of Dallas. She work as a fashion coordinator and commentator for many years while working with numerous clothing manufacturers and departments stores.

Because of her interest in history, she became a San Antonio city guide in 1968. She was a charter member of the Professional Tour Guides Association of San Antonio. She was also the owner of Mission City Tours since 1965. Docia owned and operated a specialty shop, “Cowboys and Indians” from 1973-1979 where she befriended many Indian tribal groups, promoting the sale of their handicrafts.

An avid reader and student of history, she authored a number of books, including “Spirits of San Antonio” and “The History and Mystery of the Menger Hotel.” She loved the old hotel and was often seen lunching there or taking groups on tours through the Victorian lobby. A published poet, she also wrote articles for numerous, papers, and guidebooks. Often called “the Ghost Lady,” because of her writings in the realm of the supernatural, she was a frequent speaker for clubs and convention groups. She was the originator of the nighttime “Spirits of San Antonio Tour,” which won the Gemmy Award from the Midwest Travel Writers Association in 2000.

She was the recipient of the coveted “Spirit of San Antonio” award in 2003, presented by the San Antonio Hotel and Lodging Association for outstanding contributions to the tourism and hospitality industries. She received the 2004 Entrepreneurial Spirit award in the category of “Innovator,” from the San Antonio chapter. Nation Association of Women Business Owners, honored by the San Antonio Professional Tour Guide Association with a special distinguished service award in 2004. In 2007, she received the Distinguished Alumni Award at the All Classes Reunion (class 1935-2007) at Garland High, her high school alma mater. Also listed in Marquis Who’s Who Among American Women and Who’s Who in America.

Docia was a member of the S.A. Conservation Society, Aggie Wives and Graduates Club, ‘Ol Shavano Chapter of the Daughters of the American Revolution, San Antonio Council of Presidents, San Antonio Tour Guides Association, Department of Public Safety Auxilliary, Sociate for the Preservation of Historic Fort Sam Houston, and the Petroleum Club.

Docia was preceded in death by her parents, John and Statire Schultz; her husband, Lt. Roy D. Williams; and her daughter, Sarah Southworth Thaxton.

Docia is survived by Son-in-law Dennis Thaxton Burke, Va, brother-in-law Larry and Juanita Williams Bowie Tx, and sister-in-laws Maxine Higgs Decatur Tx, Linda Randles Chandler Tx, Lynne Williams Price Tx.