BETSY MORRIS
Betsy Morris went to be with Jesus on Feb. 3, 2022. Graveside services will be 10:30 a.m. Friday, Feb. 11, at the Mexia Cemetery. A celebration of life will be conducted at a later date at the Bethesda Community Church in Fort Worth.
Betsy Richardson was born Oct. 6, 1928, on the outskirts of Groesbeck to Welton William Richardson and Exa Stephens Richardson. She and her older sister, Mellie Jo, were the apples of their parents’ eyes and they did everything they could not only to feed and clothe them during the depression but to expose them to cultural and educational opportunities that most in their financial circles likely considered unnecessary.
The family moved to Mexia before Betsy started school. She took elocution and performed at local organizational meetings and social functions. Betsy graduated from Mexia High School in 1945. She spent two years at Westminster College in Tehuacana, before transferring to Southwestern University in Georgetown. Although not in a sorority, Betsy did belong to an organization called the Glamazons whose motto was “Divinely Tall, Divinely Fair.” All members must be female and 5 feet, 7 inches or taller. Betsy was 5 feet, 11 ¾ inches at the age of 13.
She frequently bummed a ride to college with fellow Westminster classmate Aubrey Morris since he was driving back and forth from Mexia to UT in Austin. This convenient transportation blossomed into romance and Betsy married Aubrey Elbert Morris Jr. on Nov. 23, 1950. Betsy taught school in Blooming Grove after graduation from SU in 1949 until Aubrey finished at UT.
They then moved to Fort Worth when Aubrey got a job at Convair (now Lockheed Martin). Betsy taught math at Brewer High School while raising three children: Kellye, Toni and Aubrey III (Tres). She continued as her parents did, exposing her children to travel, cultural and educational opportunities as the finances permitted. She also taught it was OK to leave the dishes to go catch a movie at the spur of the moment. She enjoyed life and being surrounded by people. She was always the one to call and say, “meet me for lunch” or “do you need a ride?” Her home was always open and filled with love.
Betsy then entered the enchanted phase of being a grandmother. She loved all of her grandchildren so much, always trying to be there for each program, recital, birthday, graduation or wedding. After retirement she kept some in her home. Others she dragged to whatever Bible study or children’s program she was involved. And she always covered each with prayer. Whenever they would tell her that they loved her, she would reply, “I love you more.”
Betsy was very active in church her whole life. And she didn’t limit her spiritual journey to one church or one denomination. She went wherever the spirit led her. Spiritual growth and a personal relationship with Jesus was all-important to her and she taught all her children and grandchildren these values. She and Aubrey hosted prayer groups, Bible and study groups and home groups. As Aubrey’s health failed, she concentrated on her Titus 2:4-5 group where the older women mentor the younger girls on being strong women of faith.
Betsy was preceded in death by her husband of 64 years, Aubrey Morris Jr.; her parents, Welton Richardson and Exa Bounds; her stepfather, Clovis Bounds; and cousins, Bernice Spradley and John Withrow; and her BFF Lucy Thompson.
Betsy leaves behind her legacy of faith to her sister, Mellie Eppes; her children. Kellye Nolen (Jim), Toni Strukely (Carl) and Tres Morris (Laura); her grandchildren, Noel Nolen, Nia Callan, Victoria Walker (Kevin), Carly Morris and Aubrey Morris IV; her great-grandchild, Beau Spears; and nephews, cousins and a multitude of friends.
Instead of flowers please send a donation to Betsy’s favorite charity: Four Corners Home for Children, 2103 W. Main St., Farmington, NM 87401, or Bethesda Community Church, 4700 N .Beach St., Fort Worth, TX 76137, or the charity of your choice.
Please visit www.blairstubbs.com to leave the family a message of condolence or sign the guest book.
