Betty Lou Chapman Gregory's Obituary
Saturday morning the world lost a beautiful soul. Betty Lou Chapman Gregory At age 82, she peacefully passed away to be with her Heavenly Father. Betty won a nine year battle with Alzheimer’s at 10:00am on September 27, 2014. Betty was born IN Coahoma County, Mississippi on November 18, 1931 to A. B. and Wilkie Chapman. After graduating from Jonestown High School, she attended Delta State College for Women. In 1954, she was working in Memphis, Tennessee when she met the love of her life, Tom Gregory. Tom and Betty married on December 28, 1954 and soon moved to York, Pennsylvania. They lived in York about 4 years and during that time welcomed their first born, William Bradley Gregory. In 1958, Tom got a job with Texas Instruments and so they moved to Texas. Soon, Betty gave birth to Lynn and a couple of years later Brian came along. She stayed busy with their three children and still found time to later become a Cub Scout Den Mother, Webelos Scout assistant and Sunday school teacher, too! Betty eventually entered the workplace as a secretary at Christ United Methodist Church for 10 years and then took a job at ACS. Betty was also active for many years in the DAR (Daughters of the American Revolution) and the Rowlett Women’s Club. Betty Lou was the epitome of a true Southern lady with all the charms, manners, education, gentle strength, resourcefulness and style that they are known to possess. Her gracious and generous spirit touched so many lives and she will be greatly missed by all who had the privilege to know her. Betty was a wonderful wife, mother, grandmother….and yes, the best mother-in-law you could ever imagine. Faith and family were the centerpieces of her life. She spent her time on this earth following God’s teachings of unconditional love, kindness, forgiveness and compassion. She was very active in her church and in her community and was always available to help out someone in need. Betty’s hospitality shone brightest when she had the whole family and friends come together for a meal and some fun with the kids. She was one of the fortunate few that can say they truly lived a wonderful life. Betty was an inspiration to all that knew her gentle and nurturing spirit. She was one of those people you would meet as a stranger, and leave as a friend. The positive impact she has had on her family and friends will be a long and lasting legacy. Betty was preceded in death by her parents and her sister, Dorothy. She is survived by her husband of 60 years, Tom, her children, Brad Gregory (Shelley), Lynn Ahles (John) and Brian Gregory (Joanna), and seven grandchildren, Danielle, Nick, Heather, Alex, Ashley, Nicole, and step-granddaughter, Taylor. She is also survived by her Auntie Ruth Ivey, Donna Olsen, niece and nephews, Bob Ralston and Steven Edwards. Much appreciation and gratitude goes to her wonderful caretakers Debra McCormick and Ashley Wilson at Southfork Residential Care. The service for Betty will be at First United Methodist Church of Rowlett on Saturday, October 4. The visitation for Betty will be at 2:00 PM, the service will begin at 3:00 PM, led by Rev. Buist Wilson, followed by a procession to Restland Whispering Waters Mausoleum where Betty will be laid to rest. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that memorial donations be made to the Alzheimer’s Association at 4144 N. Central Expressway, Suite 750, Dallas, TX 75204. More than 5 million Americans are living with the disease and every 67 seconds someone in America develops this horrible disease. The Alzheimer’s Association works on a global, national and local level to enhance care and support for all those affected by Alzheimer’s and other dementias. To find a chapter near you, please go to: http://alz.org/apps/findus.asp?_ga=1.222801435.1446146339.1412025936 Funeral arrangements have been entrusted to Restland Funeral Home and Memorial Park, 13005 Greenville Avenue, at Restland Road, Dallas, TX 75238.
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