Betty Farris Profile Photo
1927 Betty 2024

Betty Farris

August 4, 1927 — July 18, 2024

Betty Farris, age 96, of Bastrop, Texas, died Thursday, July 18, 2024, at New Haven Assisted Living and Memory Care. Betty was survived by her husband, Buford Farris, and her brother, Donald Dickson, and his wife, Janie. Her children also remember her: Michael Farris and his wife Kathy Hamilton, Susan Farris and her husband Larry Moomey, Stephen Farris and his wife Sarah, and Kathleen Deasy and her husband Martin as well, by her extended family, including grandchildren, great-grandchildren, nieces, and nephews. Betty also holds a special place in the hearts of many cherished friends and acquaintances of the family.

Betty, a native of San Antonio, Texas, was born on August 4, 1927. She graduated from Brackenridge High School, and her life took a significant turn when she met Buford on a church hayride in their teens. This chance encounter blossomed into a relationship that spanned over 77 years, culminating in their marriage in January 1947. In the early years of their union, Betty wholeheartedly supported Buford's community work in Tennessee, Kentucky and Texas, a partnership that was instrumental in advocating for social justice.

Betty's academic journey was a testament to her passion for art history. In the 80s, she earned her Master of Arts degree at Saint Louis University, a significant achievement that paved the way for her to become the Slide Curator in the Art History department. She built up an extensive library of slides and images in this role. Her dedication to the field was further demonstrated when she began teaching undergraduate courses in art history. She was the first to develop and deliver lectures on Women and the Arts. In addition to teaching independently, she collaborated with other instructors in the American Studies doctoral program. Her academic achievements are a source of pride for all who knew her.

We thank Journey of Life (JOL) Hospice for their kindness, support, and attentive care in her final stages of transition. We are grateful to the New Haven Assisted Living and Memory Care staff for their devotion and compassion over the 4 1/2 years Betty resided there.

An important organization to Betty was the Family Crisis Center serving Bastrop, Colorado, Fayette and Lee Counties. She volunteered and financially supported numerous fundraisers for the Center, which "envisions a safe community built on equality without the existence of violence." At the family’s request, instead of flowers, for those who wish to contribute to her memory you may donate to the Family Crisis Center. You can do so on the website at www.family-crisis-center.org and go to the donate prompt. 

To order memorial trees or send flowers to the family in memory of Betty Farris, please visit our flower store.

Service Schedule

Past Services

Celebration of Life

Friday, September 27, 2024

Starts at 4:00 pm (Central time)

Marrs-Jones-Newby Funeral Home

505 Old Austin Hwy, Bastrop, TX 78602

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