Betty Jane Longman

Born in Houston on March 27, 1923, she was the only child of Ewing B. and Ellen F. Smith.

Betty grew up near downtown Houston, living in a wonderful bungalow on Peden Street. She was an active and social child, enjoying life to the fullest. She graduated from Lamar High School and attended Southwestern University in Georgetown, Texas.

On August 11, 1945, at St. Anne’s Catholic Church in Houston, she married Richard Thomas Longman, a union that would last 65 years until Richard’s death in 2010. They were blessed with five children.

Betty was a homemaker, yet she spent countless hours serving as a volunteer for the American Red Cross, at Ben Taub Hospital, and at St. Anthony’s Center. At St. Anthony’s, she became Director of Volunteers, a position she held for many years. Prior to her role at St. Anthony’s, she was a ‘concierge’/supervisor at the University of Houston Sports Dormitory.

She was a member of the Mt. Carmel and St. Thomas More parishes in Houston for 55 years.

Betty enjoyed bowling, dancing and playing bridge. In years passed, she and her husband were members of a bridge club and hosted bridge games at their home.

Betty was a dedicated wife, mother, and grandmother. She also formed numerous lifelong friendships with her neighbors and volunteer associates.

She was predeceased by her parents.

Those left to honor and cherish her memory are her children, Richard T. Longman and wife, Judy; Susan Longman Dziedzic and husband, Cleo; Gary Longman and wife Petra; Michelle Longman Stelly and husband, John; and Randy Longman and his wife, Michelle; ten grandchildren, Kevin, Ryan, Mike, Jeff, Kim, Adam, Tiny, Kyla, Dylan and Dustin as well as 10 great grandchildren.

The family suggests that donations in her name be made to the American Cancer Society or the American Red Cross.