Florence Elizabeth "Betty" Forrest Bryan

Florence Elizabeth “Betty” Forrest Bryan was born in Boston, Massachusetts in 1932. However, Betty, as she was lovingly known to many, soon moved to Gorham, Maine and graduated from Gorham High School in 1950. Betty proudly served as a sergeant in the 3565th Squadron of the WAF as a photographic technician, stationed in Waco, Texas, where she met her husband and made Texas her home. Following her appointment in the Air Force, Betty went on to work for NASA in the photo lab.

Betty was a long-time member of the American Legion Garden Oaks Post No. 560. Ever the sports enthusiast, Betty was an avid basketball player in high school and in the U.S. Air Force. In years to come, she became torn between her Boston Celtics and the Houston Rockets.

Betty is remembered for a wonderful sense of humor, an adventurous spirit, a strength that knew no boundaries and a talent for retelling the most inspiring family stories. New friends will remember Betty as that humorist and Facebook friend; even in the twilight of her years, Betty was enticed by new technology.

She is preceded in death by her most cherished family, father, James Lewis Forrest; mother, Florence Mary Forrest and brother, Russell Forrest. She is survived by those who will miss her most, best friend and precious sidekick, Lambchop; children, James W. Bryan and wife Sylvia, Donald (Donnie) W. Bryan, Cheryl A. Franke and husband Ricky, all of Houston; grandchildren, James Mathew Bryan and Rachel Raeanne Franke, all of Houston; nephew, Richard James Forrest of Mont Vernon, NH; nieces, Juanita Forrest-Cote of Merrimack, NH and Jacqueline Forrest-Lorento of Clearwater, FL and other relatives and dear friends.

A Gathering of Family and Friends will be held on Tuesday, December 13, 2011 from 5:00-8:00 p.m. at Pat H. Foley & Company. A Celebration of Life will be Wednesday, December 14, 2011 at 1:30 p.m. in the chapel of Pat H. Foley & Company. She will be laid to rest at Woodlawn Garden of Memories.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be forwarded to The Rose (foundation dedicated to providing mammograms to those in need), 12700 N. Featherwood, Ste. 260, Houston, TX 77034