Betty Jeanne Richard

Betty Jeanne Richard known to those of us who knew her best as Mom and Nana, was born on October 18, 1927 to Floyd and Madeline Ewton in Dallas Texas. She passed away peacefully on November 20, 2022 at the age of 95. She lived an amazing life, guided by a strong and abiding faith in the Lord. She dedicated her life to Him and to helping those all around her. Her accomplishments are countless and her legacy will live forever in the hearts and minds of all she touched.

Growing up in the aftermath of the great depression, her family didn’t have much. But surrounded by so much love and laughter, she would later say that she never really “felt” poor. She excelled scholastically from an early age, and her dream of being a teacher began, which was to later become a major part of her life. Throughout her childhood she also studied dance and even envisioned someday having her own dance studio.

Mom attended Our Lady of Good Counsel High School (now called Bishop Dunne). As a junior she worked part time for “Ma Bell” as a long distance operator. That is where she says she learned to be the “voice with a smile” that we all grew to know so well. She graduated in 1945 with a number of accolades, not the least of which being class valedictorian.

Shortly after graduating, Mom met the love of her life, Joe Richard. After a whirlwind courtship they married and for the next 75 years showed all of us what true love and devotion looks like. Together they raised twelve children: Susie, Joey, Michael, Charlie, Eddie, Marilyn, Madeline, Pat, Teresa, Jeanne, John and James. For many of those early years, times were hard. The paycheck for an A&P baker and a stay at home mom didn’t go far. Raising so many on so little could be challenging, but they always found a way to get through it, all the while keeping the house full of fun and laughter. Mom is survived by all of her children as well as her 64 grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and great-great-grandchildren, who all knew her lovingly as “Nana”.

Once the youngest of her kids started school, Mom went back to school herself to pursue her lifelong dreams of being a teacher. After four years of working full time as a teacher’s aid during the day and taking her courses at night she graduated. Once again, she was the top of her class. She went on to teach at Sidney Lanier Elementary School where she excelled and was at one point named DISD Teacher of the Year. It was also there that she finally got to achieve her other childhood dream - teaching dance. She spent much of her “spare” time teaching tap to any student who had an interest and also made all their costumes (with the help of her girls) and provided their tap shoes (mostly found thru endless searching at second hand stores and “refurbished” by Dad). As one student so aptly put it “oh thank you Miss Richard, you make me sparkle!”

After retiring from the school district, Mom dedicated herself to her family: taking care of grand and great-grandkids by day; hosting the non-stop parade of impromptu gatherings on evenings and weekends; and overseeing all the major family events, of which there were many… Easter, July 4th, Thanksgiving, Christmas and many more

Few have ever been either as loved or given so much love. Mom has positively impacted so many lives, from family to students to friends and even mere acquaintances. She will be sorely missed, but we take joy in knowing she is united again with Dad, and that they now stand together at heavens gate. In time we know we will see you again. Our love is never-ending and you will forever be in our hearts.