Betty Blair

Funeral service for Betty Blair, age 83 of Dike, Texas will be held at 11:00 A.M. on Friday, September 1, 2023 at League Street Church of Christ with Jerry Savage officiating. Visitation will be held one hour prior to the service. Mrs. Blair passed away on August 21, 2023 at Christus Mother Frances – Tyler.

Betty was born on April 5, 1940 in Los Angeles, California to Troy Anothony and Wauneeze “Bruce” (Herrell) Baccus. She married James Blair on July 27, 1971 in Canyon, Texas. Betty earned her bachelor’s and master’s degrees in biology from West Texas State University. She worked as an environmental specialist for U.S. Forestry Service. Betty was a member of the League Street Church of Christ.

She is survived by her husband, James; son Robert Taliaferro and wife, Anne, daughter Tanya Miller and husband, Bryan, son Mark Blair and wife, Margy; seven grandchildren; fourteen great-grandchildren; brother James Baccus and wife, Christie. Betty was preceded in death by her parents.

Determined to pursue a higher education, Betty became the first one in her family to receive a college degree. Her passion for learning influenced her to explore many hobbies – cross stich, sewing, furniture restoration, and architectural design. She loved to travel, touring historic homes and soaking in the beauty of God’s creation. While on her travels, she would never pass up the opportunity to stop at an antique shop.

Betty was a woman of few words, but the words she spoke were always kind, supportive, and powerful. She loved her family fiercely and was blessed with the ability to make each individual member feel valued. She was both a loving wife and a patient mother. The chaos of holidays spent with grandchildren and great grandchildren were the highlights of her life. Being an avid reader, she took advantage of every occasion to share her love of books with the grandchildren. There was always at least one game table going at every get together.

Most importantly, Betty possessed a strong, unshakable faith. She was always willing to share her home, her time, or her resources with those in need. Her selfless example has moved others to do the same. Her quiet, gentle spirit put everyone at ease, and she accepted others without judgement. She loved her church family and lived a life where one can truly say, “Well done, good and faithful servant.”

Donations may be made to League Street Church of Christ at 1100 League St South Sulphur Springs, Texas 75482.