Elizabeth Harrington Stranz

Elizabeth (Betty) Harrington Stranz was born in Plano, Texas on April 17, 1929. At the age of 87, she passed peacefully on the morning of August 22, 2016 to be in the presence of her Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ.

Betty was born to Charles E. and Elizabeth Stovall Harrington, and while life’s journey took her to many places that she called home, Betty’s heart never left Plano. She was preceded in death by her parents, and her brother, 2nd Lt. Charles E. Harrington, Jr., USMC, who died during the battle of Iwo Jima in World War II. Betty is survived by her beloved husband of 66 years, Art Stranz of Plano, her children Marc Stranz and wife Kathryn of Lower Macungie, PA, Lisa Stranz Widdicombe of Richmond, VA, Paul Stranz and wife Marnie of Rowlett, TX, and Jennifer Stranz Ciochetto and husband Joel of Galveston, TX, six grandchildren Don Widdicombe, Jeremy Ford, Jon Widdicombe, Michael Ford, Stefan Stranz, Evan Stranz, Scott Stranz, and Megan Stranz, seven great grandchildren, and many nieces and nephews.

Betty graduated from Plano High School in 1946. She proudly received her Bachelor of Arts degree in Sociology from Baylor University in 1950 and later received her Master of Arts degree in Social Work from Virginia Commonwealth University. Betty and Art were married in the Chapel at First Baptist Church Plano on December 19, 1949.

Betty’s great, great grandfather Silas M. Harrington was one of three pharmacists in the State of Texas when he founded Harrington’s Pharmacy in 1881 in downtown Plano. Betty’s father, also a well-known pharmacist, later took ownership of the pharmacy, and after their marriage, Art joined the family business as a co-owner and pharmacist. While the men worked behind the counter, Betty and her mother handled bookkeeping responsibilities and both worked the front counter as soda jerks when needed. When Art was elected Mayor of Plano and served from 1960-62, Betty was the First Lady of Plano while raising their family. Decades later, Betty served with the Friends of the Plano Public Library and helped co-author the book, “Plano, The Early Years.”

Early in her career, Betty was involved in the federal Head Start program to help underprivileged children in Tennessee and Virginia. As a social worker, Betty’s love for the poor and her work to rehabilitate prisoners were legendary on the streets of Richmond, VA as she served the least of God’s children. Upon “retirement” from social work, Betty returned to Plano and worked several years as the Admissions Director for Juliette Fowler Communities in Dallas, TX.

A life-long member of First Baptist Church Plano, Betty’s passion was music and helping the less fortunate. Music was an important part of her life. Like her mother before her, she sang in the choir for countless years and later enjoyed being a part of the Sunshine Singers with Art. Betty’s devotion to God brought her to church just about every Wednesday night and Sunday morning. In addition, Betty’s merciful heart led her to spend many hours in the community helping those in need whether they were homeless, in prison, or just down and out and in need of a caring hand.

Betty leaves behind a multitude of friends and family that miss her dearly, especially Art, but we all rejoice in the knowledge and with confidence that she is now walking with our Lord Jesus Christ and she is taking in the awesome sights in Heaven.

Funeral services will be private, but all are welcome to attend a memorial service to honor Betty and to glorify God on Friday, August 26, 2016, at 3:00 pm at First Baptist Church Plano, 1300 East 15th Street, Plano, TX 75074. In lieu of flowers, the family requests contributions be made in Betty’s honor to the music ministry and community outreach programs at First Baptist Church Plano.