Betty R. Williams' Obituary
After 89 years living amongst family and friends who loved her, Betty Williams went to her eternal home with her Savior Jesus Christ on April 8, 2024.
She was born August 2, 1934, in Wylie, Texas, the daughter of Ethel and EH Rose. She grew up in Plano Texas and graduated from Plano High School where she met her husband, James "Jimmy" Slayden. They were married on November 11, 1951. They moved to Dallas to raise their family and had 5 children. Jimmy built many houses in the Dallas area. When he began building housing on military bases they lived in several different cities in Texas and Manhattan, Kansas. Living near a lake was their preference. Their family enjoyed camping, fishing, boating, cookouts, and water sports. Jimmy passed away in 1991.
Betty was a wonderful mother, grandmother and great grandmother. Some of her most joyous moments were holding the new babies wrapped in the beautiful blankets she made for them. She was a talented seamstress and excellent cook, traits passed down from her mother. She made the best fried chicken and peach cobbler. Her delicious homemade fudge was a favorite which she made for her family and friends every year at Christmas. She loved flowers and was quite the gardener. The flowerbeds surrounding her home were always bursting with colorful blooms. Betty also loved dogs and one Christmas Eve as a big surprise she brought home a tiny miniature dachshund in her coat pocket to the delight of her children.
She worked as a Sales Consultant for Borden's Dairy, Cabell's Dairy and Brookshires. She later worked as a Medical Transcriptionist for Good Shepherd Hospital. She loved to travel and enjoyed visiting her children, grandchildren and great granddaughters.
She married Vernon Williams in 2002. They enjoyed traveling and visiting friends and family until Vernon passed away in 2014.
Betty is survived by her children: Rosanne Serra and her husband Walter, Terry Slayden, Suzanne Boren, Sharon Lee and her husband Bob and James Slayden and his wife Gina, her 9 grandchildren and 7 great-granddaughters.
The family would like to extend their sincere thanks to Arabella of Longview and Hospice Plus for the care she received.
A service of celebration for her life and legacy will be held at Rader Funeral Home Chapel in Longview on Saturday, April 13. 2024 at 10:00 am with Pastor Josh Roland officiating. The family will receive friends on Friday, April 12, 2024 at Rader Funeral Home from 6:00-8:00 pm.
What’s your fondest memory of Betty?
What’s a lesson you learned from Betty?
Share a story where Betty's kindness touched your heart.
Describe a day with Betty you’ll never forget.
How did Betty make you smile?