Betty Walden Francis

Betty Simpson Walden (94) walked through the Pearly Gates and saw Jesus face to face on Monday morning, March 18, 2024. Betty was born in San Antonio, TX on January 7, 1930, to Cyrus Dean Simpson and Dulce Vaughn Simpson. She graduated from Hot Wells High School in 1949. Afterword she attended the Stamps Baxter School of Music and Howard Payne University where she was in the Drum and Bugle Core. Betty finished her Bachelor of Education Degree at Stephen F. Austin State University. Later in her Education career Betty received her Master’s Degree from Prairie View A&M with a Reading Specialties concentration. Betty met Earl Walden while attending her home church, Riverside Baptist Church, when Earl was a Sargent in the USAF stationed at Lackland Airforce Base in San Antonio, TX. Earl and Betty were married March 10, 1956. They were blessed with two children, Jennifer and Jeffrey. Betty had a wonderful teaching career that spanned 25 years. She began teaching First Grade at Little Cypress Elementary School in the Little Cypress Mauriceville ISD in Orange, TX. She ended her career with Katy ISD as a First Grade Teacher at the Katy Elementary School in Katy, TX. There are numerous occasions, too many to mention and probably more that are unknown where Betty went above and beyond for her students. Many former students have made Betty aware of how special she was and how impactful her influence as their First Grade Teacher was on the rest of their education. It is a testament to her passion for teaching that she is remembered to this day by her former students and fellow educators with such love and gratitude. Betty was a Lifelong Adventurer. She had many titles in her life of 94 years, Wife, Mother, Sister, Grandmother, Great Grandmother, Aunt, Teacher, Friend, Traveler, Lover of Gospel Music, Bridge Player, Piano Player, and most importantly, Follower of Jesus Christ. Betty had many grand adventures, she traveled extensively which took her all over the world! From a 45-day trip traveling Europe with friends, seeing all 50 States, more cruises than she could count on her fingers and toes that took her to places like Novia Scotia, St. Petersburg, Russia and the Alaskan coast. She loved the Iditarod and even rode on a dog sled for the Ceremonial Start to the race. She sponsored Sled Dogs and made trips to Alaska for many years. Betty loved to sing and loved Gospel Music, she drove miles and miles to attend the National Gospel Quartet Convention for many years. Most recently, Betty was a member of Mims Baptist Church and enjoyed participating in Choir and attending Sunday services until she was no longer able. Betty is preceded in death by her husband Earl T. Walden, Jr.; her Parents, Cyrus and Dulce Simpson; Brother and Sister in Law, Deane and Lanell Simpson. Betty is survived by her children, Jennifer Walden Abbrat and her husband, Kurt, Jeffrey Simpson Walden and his wife, Linda. Grandchildren, Cali Marie Walden Hix and husband Jeremy, Alexandria Katelyn Abbrat, Austin Kendall Abbrat and wife Ryli. Great Grand Children, Audrey Alice Hix and Walden Jack Hix and many nieces and nephews.. Betty will be laid to rest beside her husband, Earl in the Campground Cemetery located in Woodville. Texas. In lieu of flowers, you are invited to donate to the Buckner Adoptions Services, 700 North Pearl St., Suite 1200, Dallas, TX. 75201, Telephone 800-442-4800 in her memory.

Betty Walden Francis

January 7, 1930 - March 18, 2024