Betty Joyce Anderson

Betty Joyce Anderson, 82, passed away peacefully on July 24, 2022 in Houston, Texas following cancer surgery. She was born June 9, 1940 in Louisville, Kentucky and was the daughter of the late James Clifton and Flossie (Jacobs) Settles. She was predeceased by her two brothers James C. Settles, Jr., and Michael B. Settles, Sr.

Betty graduated from Louisville Male High School in 1958 in the top 10 of her class. Following graduation, she wed Norman R. Anderson and was married for more than 60 years until his death in 2020. Betty lived briefly in Long Beach, California while Norman was in the Navy. She worked as a secretary at Maryland Casualty Company and in the foundry office at International Harvester where her father was also employed. Betty left the business world after five years to become a full-time wife and mom.

Betty was the personification of a daughter, sister, wife, mother, grandmother and aunt. God hath created few as kind, thoughtful and selfless. She dedicated her life to her family which was her number one priority. Betty was known to frequently drive more than 100 miles a day taking her three sons to school, their activities and visiting her parents. She was her children’s greatest cheerleader, praised their many accomplishments and had much confidence in them. She was available it seemed 24 hours a day to talk current affairs, sports, business, law enforcement and music whenever they called. Betty unselfishly and nobly cared for her mother and husband in the waning years of their lives, sacrificing greatly to ensure their care and quality of life.

In addition to her family, Betty loved reading and traveling. Among her favorite places were Rome and Capri, Italy and Carmel and San Francisco, California. It was in Rome at Vatican City that she shook hands with Pope John Paul II who would later be canonized. Betty touched a saint! In 2015, she and Norman realized their dream and moved to Texas. Although proud of their Kentucky roots, they loved living in Texas. Betty also liked things that were bright, shiny and colorful.

Betty is survived by her three sons Michael Eric (Laurie) of Houston, Texas, Todd (Kim) of Corydon, Indiana, and Christopher (Lee) of Austin, Texas; eight grandchildren: Ashley (Mike) Tedder, Lauren (Patrick) Flynn, Hanna, Emily, Isabella, Christopher, Austin and Hailey; and one great-granddaughter Brenley Tedder.

Those wishing to honor Betty may make a donation in her name to their favorite charity. A celebration of Betty’s life will be held in the future and all family and friends will be notified. A special thank you goes to her oncologist, Dr. Devesh Pandya, and the physicians and nurses at Baylor St. Luke’s Medical Center Surgical Intensive Care Unit who worked tirelessly to treat her.

“I have competed well; I have finished the race; I have kept the faith.” 2 Timothy 4:7