Betty R. Travis

On May 2, 2021, Betty Travis of Forney, TX, loving mother, grandmother and friend to many, passed away at the age of 91.

Some called her Momma or Granny or even Aunt Betty, but all called her a beautiful light that brought joy to those around her.

She was born to Dewey and Oney Mae Thomas on August 29, 1929 in Dallas, TX and lived in the area her entire life. Betty married Thomas “Jack” Travis in 1947 and they were blessed with 5 children. They filled their lives with adventure, traveling every chance they could until Jack’s death in 2010. They moved to Forney in 1995 where they joined the First Baptist Church and have been faithful members ever since. Betty was known by everyone in the church and she faithfully read her bible every morning with her first cup of coffee.

While she retired from the Federal Reserve Bank in Dallas after 40+ years as a check processor, it was her time spent outside of work for which she is most known. She devoted herself to others every chance she had, whether volunteering at the hospital in Terrell or volunteering her home for every holiday and birthday gathering in the family. She could often be found peeking her head into the kitchen at 12:59 calling for someone to say grace because lunch was at 1:00 without fail. However, these gatherings were off limits on Wednesdays. Wednesday was dedicated to her card games with friends at the Forney Senior Center. Even during the pandemic, she and her “card ladies” continued to meet for games, spending time connecting and bonding with one another through every up and down life sent their way.

Playing cards was not the only way Betty stayed active. She also kept her mind sharp by working on word-finding games and jigsaw puzzles every day. She stayed physically fit by wearing down the pavement, doing laps up and down her driveway or laps around her living room when the weather kept her indoors. She never stopped, determined to never let her age define her limitations.

Betty was preceded in death by her husband of 62 years, 4 sisters, 3 brothers and son Jerry Dale Travis.  She is survived by her children: son Dennis Travis and wife Karen, daughter Sonta Chambers, son Ronnie Travis and wife Laura, daughter Tammy John and husband Michael. She was beloved by numerous nieces and nephews, 13 grandchildren, 21 great grandchildren, 2 great great grandchildren, her sister-in-law and friend Nancy Thomas of Houston, cousin Arnold Sutliff of California, and brother-in-law Robert “Sonny” Travis.

God gave this faithful servant 91 beautiful years on this earth and she took advantage of each one, blessing us with her grace, her laughter and her tenacious spirit. The family is comforted to know she is reunited with Jack and will be by his side for eternity. She was loved dearly and will be greatly missed.