Betsy Maxson Schmidt Wheeler's Obituary
Betsy Maxson Schmidt Wheeler, 94, died at her home on October 30th, after a very long and extraordinary life. She will be greatly missed by her children, grandchildren, great-grandchildren, nieces and nephews and so many friends of all ages and walks of life. A fourth generation Texan, Betsy Louise Maxson was born in Dallas on July 26, 1919, the daughter of insurance executive Harry Irl Maxson and Marion Flagg. She was raised on St. Andrews Drive opposite the Dallas Country Club and lived in the Park Cities most of her life. She attended the Hockaday School and graduated from Highland Park High School and then Stephens College in Missouri. In 1940, she married her high school sweetheart, Charles Donnally Schmidt, who was killed in a private plane crash in 1960. In 1977, her second marriage was to Maj. General Edwin Bliss Wheeler, USMC, who passed in 1985. Mrs. Wheeler was a member of the Junior League of Dallas, the National Society of Colonial Dames in America, Women’s Club, American Red Cross, Garden Club and the Episcopal Church of the Incarnation. She had many interests, among them bridge, golf, fishing, hunting, collecting thimbles and travel to South America, Mexico, Africa, Europe, Canada and China. She was one of the first women pioneers in Dallas to earn her pilot license through Addison Airport Flight School. Like many members of the Flagg family, had a passionate interest in art, especially sculpture. Had a large involvement in the community, including, Junior League of Dallas, American Red Cross, PTA Board member, Association Cub Scout Leader and numerous sponsorships. Betsy will be remembered for her keen sense of humor, hospitality, fun-loving attitude, and her kindness. Always well dressed and “to the nine”, she looked many years younger than her nine decades. She is survived by her son Charles Donnally “Don” Schmidt Jr. and his wife, Carolyn; daughter, Susan Brawley Schmidt; daughter-in-law, Terri Schmidt, all of the Dallas area grandchildren, Brandon, Hillary and Hailey Schmidt, Harry Smith and Heather Smith-Grassley; and stepdaughters, Phoebe Wiley, Geirsten “Sissy” Toney, Mary “Polly” Wheeler, and Rachel Rasburry. She was predeceased by her son, Harry Maxson Schmidt; her parents; and siblings, Barbara Nicholas, John S. (Jack) Maxson and Margaret (Peggy) Lee. Services will be held at Church of the Incarnation on November 20th, 2013 at 11:00 am, reception immediately following at Church of the Incarnation, 3966 McKinney Ave, Dallas 75204. In Lieu of Flowers, please consider donations to the Church of the Incarnation. All female attendees are asked to please wear their favorite scarf in honor of Betsy’s love of fashion.
What’s your fondest memory of Betsy?
What’s a lesson you learned from Betsy?
Share a story where Betsy's kindness touched your heart.
Describe a day with Betsy you’ll never forget.
How did Betsy make you smile?