Betty Jane (Thornton) Hines' Obituary
Betty Jane (Thornton) Hines passed away on December 5, 2023. She was born in Prescott, Arkansas, the third child of Horace Elgin and Lura Dale Thornton, where she lived until the age of 13, when she moved with her mother to Dallas, Texas. Betty had one sister, Joyce Dale (Thornton) Funda, and one brother, William Elgin “Billy” Thornton, who both preceded her in death. She graduated from Pleasant Grove High School in Dallas and worked for the Sentry Insurance Company in Dallas for 10 years. Betty was a homemaker and mother for many years. In 1980, she began work for the JCPenney Company Corporate Headquarters. She retired as Human Resource Manager in the Information Technology Division in 2004.
In January 1953, Betty married the love of her life, Joe Cline Hines, who preceded her in death in 1985 after 32 years of marriage. Betty and Joe had 4 children: Carolyn Hines Young (Bruce), and Nancy Hines Barak (Allyn Bryant) who survive her, and William Russell “Rusty” Hines (Debbie) and Laurie Hines Mashburn, who both preceded her in death. Betty is also survived by 6 grandchildren – Claudia Corriere, Cassie Jaskula (Jasen Heffner), Rachel Young (Patrick Cross), Matthew Young (Brianna Moore), Tony Mata, and Joshua Mata, and 9 great-grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her granddaughters, Mallory Lura Kuczynski and Rebecca Leigh Mashburn. Also surviving her are nieces and nephews, including Patricia Cathey (Gordon); Gwendolyn “Wendy” Rockey (Mike), and Don Parker (Carol); sister- and brothers-in-law, and many great-nieces and -nephews.
Betty’s first love was always her family; beyond that, she enjoyed music and was known in her younger years for her lovely contralto singing voice. Music of all kinds was a staple in her home and she raised children who loved to harmonize together. She enjoyed musical theater and never missed an opportunity to go to the theater, whether in Dallas or in New York. Throughout her marriage and in her later years as well, travel was something she enjoyed; she saw most of the great sights of the U.S.
A service to celebrate the life of Betty will take place on Friday, December 15, at noon, at Restland Funeral Home; guests will be welcomed to a repast following the service in the Restland Event Center. A private graveside service will be held at Grove Hill Cemetery on Samuell Blvd, Dallas. Honorary pallbearers are Allyn Bryant, Bruce Young, Matthew Young, Patrick Cross, Jasen Heffner, Martin Mata, and Gordon Cathey. In lieu of flowers, gifts may be made to Enhabit Hospice (https://www.ehab.com/) or the Alzheimer’s Association (https://www.alz.org/), but Betty and her family would be honored by any gift made in her name to your favorite charity.
Betty was a born-again Christian and a long-time Baptist by faith.
To God be the Glory, Great Things He Has Done!
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?