Betty Braly

Mrs. Betty Lou (Brookshire) Braly, 81, was born on February 27, 1936 to Ada Bell Abby and John Chester Brookshire, in Nacogdoches, Texas. Betty Braly, Died peacefully on May 13, 2017 after a battle with heart and Alzheimer’s disease at Brazos Valley In-Patient Hospice, Bryan, Texas, surrounded by her family. Memorial services for Betty Braly will be held at 11:00 a.m., Saturday, May 20, 2017 at Strickland Funeral Home in Caldwell, Texas with Brother Steve Johnson, officiating. Lunch will be served to the family by First Baptist Church, Caldwell.

Betty grew up and attended early public schools in Lufkin, but subsequently moved to Houston to live with her brother, Allen Brookshire. She later graduated from Houston ISD and attended the University of Houston.

Betty met the love of her life, Narris W. Braly, on a blind date in Tyler, Texas. Three short years later, Betty and Narris were married in Houston, Texas. Betty and Narris legacy includes: Dana and Larry Nichols, Wade Braly, Ginger Braly, and Renee’ and Mark Johnson. They have seven grandchildren, Kara Sarlis, Caitlin Riley, Alexa Stringer, Megan Holt, Christie Whitaker, Courtney Williams and Garrett Cochran. They have three great grandchildren: Chloe Williams, Rhett Whitaker and Elena Riley.

Betty was a long time member of First Baptist Church, Caldwell. She taught many different Sunday school and training union classes and frequently served as a chaperone to numerous trips to Highland Lakes Baptist Encampment. Betty was a member of and held leadership positions in Daughters of the Republic of Texas, Daughters of the American Revolution, a Magna Carta Dame, Daughters of 1812, and United Daughters of the Confederacy.

Betty was a strong and independent wife of 59 years to Narris. She was also an amazing mother who strongly supported and loved her children. Her first and last thoughts were always of her children and whether they were healthy, happy and well fed. Not only did Betty love her children dearly, but she also loved her grandchildren immensely. She also developed strong, religious family traditions for both children and grandchildren that are still cherished by the family today. Betty was truly excited to welcome her three great grandchildren recently and was truly proud of her growing family.

Betty loved music and truly enjoyed singing in the choir at First Baptist Church. She was instrumental in having her children take piano lessons and also sing in the choir with her. She loved roses and flowers of all kinds and thoroughly enjoyed many trips to the Tyler Rose Garden to view the beautiful roses. She loved walking in her backyard to smell the roses that Narris planted for her. Betty loved cats and was known to feed and pet every stray in the neighborhood. She was an avid reader and loved to discuss the books she had read with her daughters. She also shared an interest in history with Narris and loved traveling to historical venues across the country, as they took many trips for historical home tours.

Betty will be greatly missed by her family and friends, but we know she is celebrating in her heavenly home.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in Betty Braly’s name to Hospice Brazos Valley Inpatient Facility, 1600 Joseph Dr., Bryan, Texas 77802

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