Obituary for
Betty Deen Williams (Allen)
Betty Deen Allen Williams was born in Odessa, Texas on December 6, 1936. She passed away on December 8, 2018 in Kingwood, Texas. Her home was in Austin for the last 20 years. She is survived by cousins Mary Gillespie, Floyd Amburgey, and Betty Wall. She is preceded in death by her husband Curtis Williams, her mother Elizabeth Allen, her grandparents JJ and Elizabeth (Betty) Amburgey and many other relatives. Her grandparents came to Odessa around 1880 before the railroad was completed from the east coast to California. She was baptized at a young age at Odessa’s First Baptist Church where she accepted Christ to be with her for her remaining life. Betty graduated from Odessa High School in 1955 where she was an honor student. She was a graduate of the University of Texas. She obtained a Masters degree in Education and taught school for over 20 years in California. Betty’s husband obtained an Electrical Engineering degree from UT. She was an English teacher for gifted high school students in honors programs and especially enjoyed teaching poetry. Her favorite author was Emily Dickinson. She loved music and played clarinet in her high school band and was an accomplished pianist prior to suffering from Parkinson’s disease. She loved playing bridge, participating in book clubs and was active in the Red Hat ladies’ group. She had a group of high school friends called OHS 55 Dolls that remained close throughout her life. She and Curtis were married for 58 years and were very active supporters of the University of Texas. Curtis and Betty moved back to Austin when she retired from full time teaching. One of her favorite hobbies was to tutor UT athletes. Their favorite vacation destination was attending any longhorn sporting event. The family of Betty Williams would like to express their deep gratitude for the loving and tireless care provided by the staff of the Rose Garden at Rosemont Assisted Living. A memorial service in Odessa will be planned later. Betty’s prayer was to accept the things that cannot be changed, have the courage to change the things which can (and should) be changed, and the wisdom to distinguish one from the other. She is at peace in heaven celebrating with Curtis in the arms of God for eternity waiting for her many friends to join her.