Betty Jo Street's Obituary
STREET, BETTY JO BROWN In God’s providence, Betty Jo Brown Street was called by the Lord on Monday, April 30, 2012 in Dallas, Texas after several months of declining health. She was born August 29, 1925 in Memphis, TN. She was the only child of Wilson Stewart Brown and Fannie Belle ‘Frances’ (Driskill) Brown. Her husband of 60 years, Joe Reed Street, predeceased Betty in March 2006. She is survived by son & daughter-in-law, Wilson & Pamela Street; daughter & son-in-law, Haven Street-Allen & Henry Allen; grandson & wife, Nathan & Jessica Allen; great-grandson Zachary Allen; great-granddaughter, Natalie Allen; brother-in-law, Dr. Robert L. Street; Niece, Dr. Patricia Blakeney; 4 nephews; and Carol, Stacy, Spencer & John Beakes. After growing up in Jackson, MS and graduating from Millsaps College in 1945 at the age of 19 with a BS in English, and a lifetime secondary teaching certificate in the State of Mississippi, Betty was immediately employed to teach high school in Picayune, MS. Upon marrying Joe, her handsome Navy LT (jg) in 1946, she relocated to Texas. She did graduate work at Texas A&M and the University of Texas. Betty gave her time generously to many organizations. As a Girl Scout volunteer from 1959-1973, Betty served on the Girl Scout Council, was leader of the Troop 957, Neighborhood Chair, District Chair and member of the Board of Directors, Vice-President, Trainer of Leaders, Chair of Program Committee and Delegate to the National Convention. Betty became a Water Safety Instructor/Instructor Trainer and a First-Aid Instructor/Instructor Trainer for the American Red Cross. Subsequently, she became a volunteer for the Dallas Area Chapter of the American Red Cross from 1961-1973, and was responsible for implementation of the Learn-to-Swim Program, coordinating all swim instruction with the help of other volunteers at the Farmers Branch Valwood pool. Beginning in 1973 and until retirement in 1990, Betty was employed by the Dallas Area Chapter of the American Red Cross as Associate Director of Safety Services. The Dallas Association for Retarded Citizens recognized Betty for outstanding service in connection with the development and promotion of the Learn-to-Swim program for special populations. For several years, she served as judge in the ‘Best Lifeguard in Texas’ contest. Betty was an active volunteer for the Genesis Thrift Store (supporting Genesis Women’s Shelter) for a number of years beginning in 1994. Betty & Joe were instrumental in establishing the Volunteers in Patrol program for the Hockaday Neighborhood Association in 1993. In 1995, they received recognition from the Dallas Police Department for their service. Betty was a member of the Daughters of the Confederacy and Daughters of the American Revolution. Her life passions were community service and genealogy. She loved history and genealogy gave her a very personal way of studying it. Her genealogical research involving tens-of-thousands of hours over a period of nearly fifty years was painstakingly accurate, that of a true academic. If a relationship could not be confirmed by independent written evidence, it could not be included in her family lineage. She attended Cochran Chapel United Methodist Church. Services will be held on Wednesday, May 09, 2012 at 11:00 a.m. in the sanctuary of the Cochran Chapel United Methodist Church, 9027 Midway Road, Dallas TX 75209 in the sanctuary. Reception will follow in Fellowship Hall. A brief graveside service will be held promptly at 2:30 p.m. at the DFW National Cemetery in Grand Prairie, Texas. Donations may be made to the Dallas Area Chapter of the American Red Cross or the charity of your choice.
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