Betty Jean Burks Bennie

Betty Bennie passed away peacefully on Thursday, March 4, 2021, just 3 weeks before her 98th birthday. Betty was born in Worthington, Indiana, on March 27, 1923. She was raised by her uncle and aunt, James Floyd and Rebecca Stokes Burks, who later adopted her as their own. Although she was an only child, Betty spent her childhood with a large extended family in the farming community of Worthington. She attended Worthington-Jefferson High School where she was a cheerleader and prom queen, graduating in 1941. It was during high school that Betty met Bill Bennie, her future husband.

Betty was a war bride, marrying Bill in 1944 during his weekend leave from the army. They were married for 52 years before Bill passed away in 1996. During their marriage, they lived in Oxford, Ohio where Betty completed her bachelor’s degree in education graduating magna cum laude from Miami University. She started her career as an early childhood teacher in Somerville, Ohio. It was during this time that their two children were born.

In 1961, they moved to Austin, Texas where Betty immediately took a job teaching preschool at Good Shepherd Episcopal School. In 1971, she was recruited to establish the first kindergarten program at Eanes Elementary School. Two years later, she moved to Casis Elementary in Austin where she taught kindergarten for 9 years. After her retirement in 1982, she would often run into former students who would recount the fond memories they had in her classroom.

Betty loved teaching young children and excelled as an educator. She was a member of the National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC) and was awarded the Sallie Beth Moore Award for her outstanding work in the classroom. She also worked with the American Heart Association to create an educational program for young children that was used in kindergarten classrooms throughout Austin. Additionally, she served as a mentor and leader on numerous committees in AISD.

Betty was an avid fan of the Texas Longhorns and proudly flew her Longhorn flag on game days. She had many lifelong friends whom she met at the UT Faculty Wives Club, forming a bridge group that played together for 50+ years. In the community, Betty was a member of Delta Gamma, UT LAMP, and was an original volunteer at Mayfield Park. She was interested in genealogy and spent years researching and documenting her family lineage. Her love of travel took her to Russia, Scandinavia, Great Britain, Europe, and Mexico along with a multitude of domestic adventures. Betty moved to Westminster Manor in 2012 where her network of friends grew. She was always organizing a bridge game, happy hour, a “Betty Party” for the many Betty’s in residence, or attending an event hosted by the Manor. She was a lifelong learner, avid reader, and never missed the Sunday crossword puzzle.

Betty was much loved and will be greatly missed by her family and friends. Betty was predeceased by her husband, William A. Bennie, half-sister Phyllis Genth, and son-in-law Jim Shay. She is survived by her son, James A. (Drew) Bennie, daughter, Carol Bennie Shay, and grandchildren Brenna Shay and Mack Shay.

There will be a private graveside service where she will be interred at Austin Memorial Park.

In lieu of flowers, please honor Betty with a donation to the Mayfield Park Cottage and Gardens Endowment Fund at www.mayfieldpark.org. or mailed to Mayfield Park/ Community Project, PO Box 5721, Austin, Texas 78763.