Betty Jeanne Hendrick

Memorial services for Betty Jeanne Hendrick, 73, of Lufkin will be held Wednesday, February 14, 2018 at 10:00 a.m. in the Carroway Funeral Home Chapel with Brother Charles M. Roberts and Larry Kendrick officiating. A reception will follow in the Carroway Family Reception Room. Cremation arrangements are under the direction of Carroway Funeral Home.

Betty Jeanne Hendrick, born on Easter Sunday, April 9, 1944 in Lufkin, Texas, graduated with highest honors to her Heavenly Home Saturday, February 10, 2018. Joining in welcoming her were her Lord and Savior Jesus Christ and her parents, Joe Bob and Annie Laurie Hendrick. "To be absent from the body is to be present with the Lord." 2 Corinthians 5:8.

Betty was a native of Diboll, graduating from Diboll High School in 1962. After her graduation from East Texas Baptist University in 1966, she taught English and History for 38 years in various high schools beginning with Stroman High School in Victoria for 5 years, 19 years at Randolph Air Force Base in San Antonio, and 8 years at Smithson Valley High School in the Canyon Lake area. She was such an avid supporter of their football team that the team presented her with a signed football at the time of her resignation in 1999, much to her delight. The remainder of her career was at First Baptist Academy in University City, retiring in 2004. Betty made the comment that she could count on one hand the number of students who made her want to leave the teaching field, and that she did not have enough fingers and toes to count those who were the reason she stayed.

Leaving San Antonio and many friends there behind in order to be nearer family, Betty decided to return to her roots in 2008 and build a home in Lufkin. She served for a number of years on the Alumni Advisory Council of East Texas Baptist University. Always involved in church work, Betty was a faithful member of Denman Avenue Baptist Church and the Bible Study class led by Larry Kendrick. She delighted in volunteering weekly at The Mosaic Center and was secretary of the Diboll Garden Club. She loved to laugh, and coordinating birthday celebrations for long-time friends from her high school days - Billie Jean Capps, Sandra Pouland, Polly Leavell, Nita Hurley, Ginger Capps and her sister Jo Ann - always provided a great opportunity for laughter.

An avid traveler, Betty visited many interesting places, including Hawaii, Alaska, and the British Isles. Most memorable was the occasion to attend the Passion Play in Oberammergau, Bavaria, Germany, an event first performed in 1634 and thereafter in years ending with zero. There were also many wonderful travel adventures throughout the United States with friends.

Betty was the author of two books, Come Home to Christmas and Echoes of Easter, compilations of her annual Christmas and Easter short stories. She had a long mailing list of friends who eagerly awaited these stories each year. Betty also wrote occasional articles for the Christian publication Reflections .

Surviving Betty is her loving sister and brother-in-law, Jo Ann and Richard Rainwater of Diboll. Special Lufkin neighborhood friends are Judy and Fred Hughes, Donna Enlow, and Donna and Pete Smart, as well as an extended family member, Jane Rainwater Wilson of Chandler.

Betty dearly loved all her many friends and family, and they loved her in return. She will be greatly missed by all who shared her friendship and will be remembered for her kindness, generous spirit, and compassion.

For those desiring, memorial contributions may be made to The Mosaic Center, 601 N. First Street, Lufkin, Texas 75901, or a charity of choice.

Memories and condolences may be added at www.carrowayfuneralhome.com.

Carroway Funeral Home, Lufkin, directors.