Dr. Jane Bratton Betz

Dr. Jane Bratton Betz - Submitted for the USGenWeb by Richard P. Sevier July 13, 2016

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Dr. Jane Bratton Betz Madison Parish, LA

From Memphis Funeral Home July 13, 2016

Memphis, TN - Dr. JANE Bratton Betz died of heart failure, July 10, 2016, age 93.

Born in Shreveport, LA, March 11, 1923, Jane was the only child of Dorothy Slack Bratton and O. D. Bratton, late-residents of Tallulah, LA and Memphis.

She is survived by her children: E. L. “Bill” Betz, Jr., Memphis, TN; Dixon Betz (Cheryl) of Metairie, LA; Robert Betz of Arlington, VA; Stephen Betz of Memphis, TN; Kirk Betz, North Columbia, Texas; Dorothy Jane “Bebe” Betz Pinkley (Andrew) of Memphis; and her foster son, Juan Carlos Hrase von Bargen of Encarnacion, Paraguay. Behind, she leaves eight grandchildren, Paul Betz (Jackie) of Columbia, TN; Greg Betz (Jennifer) Dallas, Texas; and Wade Betz (Becca) of Dallas, Tx; Catherine Betz, Metairie, LA; John Betz, Memphis; Ryan (Holly) Betz , Waco, TX; and Gillian and Oran Betz of Arlington, Va. Jane leaves six Betz great-grandchildren, Benjiman, Suzanne, Samuel, Jackson, Bryce and Drake Betz.

She was the wife of the late E. L. “Bill” Betz, Sr. She was the widow of the late-John Howard “Jay” Wilson of Portageville, Mo, becoming step-mother to his then grown children; From Portageville, Mark (Debbie) Wilson, and Scott (Mary Jane) Wilson; and Janie Wilson of Memphis. Jane was also ‘Momma Jane’ to John Wilson’s grandchildren, and great grandchildren. In addition to family, she leaves behind her long time caregiver of 16 years, Dicey Hall, Memphis. Proceeding Jane is her friend, house keeper and second Mother to her children, Vastoria Hall, Caruthersville, MO.

A child of the Depression, to find work, Jane’s parents moved their little family six times before settling in Tallulah, LA, where they had relatives. After graduating from Tallulah High School’1940, Jane and her Mother moved to Memphis to join Jane’s father, who had found work in the lumber business two years before. After moving to Memphis, Jane met and married Grenada, MS-born, Corporal ‘Bill’ Betz of the Army Air Corp, on Aug 31, 1942. While her husband was overseas for 3 years, Jane continued her education, earning Undergraduate Degrees in Home Ec and in Science, from Louisiana State University in Baton Rouge. Her first job being a Home Education teacher in St Francisvill, LA.

After returning home, Jane and Bill raised their 5 sons in Memphis. While living in Memphis, Jane was a member of Member of the Fort Assumption Chapter of the DAR, King’s Sons and Daughters; Memphis Chapter of the American Heart Association, and was President of Coterie of Memphis. In 1957, Jane and the boys moved to Caruthersville, Mo, where Bill was working in the lumber business, and a girl was added to the family. While living in Caruthersville, Jane earned a Masters of Education Degree (1971) and a Doctorate in Psychological Counseling (1977) from the University of Memphis, formerly Memphis State. Jane often joked that she wore out 4 cars driving back and forth to Memphis for her classes. For 17 years, Jane was a well known and valued member of the Caruthersville School Board, Caruthersville, Mo., during which time she served as Treasurer and as President; and member of the Missouri School Boards Association. During her working career, Jane was a psychological examiner for school systems, as well as having a private practice. She served as the first Head of Special Services for Special School District, New Madrid Co, Mo., of which she was instrumental in organizing.

During her lifetime, Jane was inducted into many scholastic societies: Phi Upsilon Omicron (ΦΥΟ), Kappa Delta Pi, and Phi Kappa Phi. In her philanthropic activities, Jane was a Member and Vice President of the 19th Century Club, Memphis. One of her main contributions to this organization and community was leading the establishment of a children’s heart clinic in Memphis. After years of success and transformation, this clinic eventually became part of the Cardiac Programs at Le Bonheur Children’s Hospital. Returning to Memphis in 1985, Jane was a Sustaining member of both Le Bonheur Club, Inc and the Woman’s Exchange. She further enjoyed membership in Alpha Phi International Fraternity of Women (sorority). Raised as a Presbyterian, Jane was one of the first female Deacons and Elder ordained in the First Presbyterian Church, Caruthersville. After moving back to Memphis, she served as Elder in Woodland Presbyterian Church, in which she started the St Andrew’s Sunday School Class, and was Awarded Life Time Membership in the Women of the Church.

Returning to Memphis in 1985, Jane was members of Woodland Presbyterian Church; the Woman’s Exchange; the 19th Century Club; and Le Bonheur Club. Of all her many accomplishments, Jane would say her greatest and most satisfying was being a Mother. Visitation will be held on Friday, July15, 2016 at Memphis Funeral Home, Poplar Ave , from 6 to 8 o’clock. A Memorial Service will be on Saturday, July 16 at 10 a.m. at Woodland Presbyterian Church, Memphis. A brief grave-side service will follow at Memorial Park Cemetery; Poplar Ave. Memphis Funeral Home has charge: 901-725-0100,` www.memphisfuneralhome.net. Should friends desire, memorials may be sent to Woodland Presbyterian Church, Memphis; Le Bonheur Club, Memphis; or 1st Presbyterian Church, Caruthersville, Mo.