Betty Lou Westbrook's Obituary
Betty Lou Westbrook was born on March 12, 1929, in Alba, Texas, to Walter and Edith Patrick. A child of the Depression era, Betty’s early life on a farm shaped her strong work ethic, resilience, and deep appreciation for faith, family, and country—values she carried faithfully throughout her life.
Betty graduated from high school in 1945, having been double-promoted during her school years due to her academic ability. At just sixteen years old, she moved to Dallas to live with her sister, Lanett, and began working for an insurance company—marking the start of a long and diverse professional life. Over the years, she worked for Mutual Benefit Insurance Company, Schoellkopf Manufacturing in Dallas, Temco Aircraft in Grand Prairie, the Security Engineering Division in Oak Cliff, and later with Kelly Temporary Services. Her final career chapter was with Harte-Hanks at the Plano Star Courier, where she wrote a weekly column and retired in 1996.
Betty was married to Bobby Grundy, Raymond Lee Woods, and Donald Westbrook, all of whom preceded her in death. She was the proud mother of four children: Terry Woods (and wife Sherry of Rockwall, Texas), Candy Richmond (and husband Robert of Forney, Texas), Cheryl Lee (and husband David of Allen, Texas), and the late Cara Woods Hinson of Allen, Texas.
Family was the heart of Betty’s life. She was blessed with nine grandchildren, 14 great-grandchildren, 2 great, great grandchildren and a wide circle of extended family and friends. She cherished her role as mother, grandmother, and “Granny Betty,” finding great joy in time spent with her family and in nurturing others through her church and community involvement.
A woman of service and leadership, Betty devoted more than 25 years to civic engagement with the Collin County Republican Party, serving as a precinct chair and election judge. In 1996, she was honored as Precinct Chair of the Year. She was also active in the Plano Republican Women’s Club and participated in numerous conventions and community events.
Betty was deeply involved in the Plano Senior Recreation Center, where she helped organize the Tuesday Night Senior Dance and volunteered for over a decade. In 2011, she and her husband Don were recognized among the longest-serving volunteers at the Center. She also enjoyed playing softball and was an avid bowler at Allen Bowling Lanes, Plano Bowling Lanes, and the Plano Super Bowl.
Music and worship were lifelong passions. Betty sang in multiple choirs, including the Golden Serenaders, and performed regularly at nursing facilities and special programs. She served faithfully at Murphy Road Baptist Church and First Baptist Church of Allen as a Sunday School teacher, mission counselor, choir member, and committee volunteer. She also helped with the construction of a new sanctuary in 2001 and assisted with off-campus worship services.
Above all, Betty loved the Lord. Her faith guided her through life’s joys and sorrows, including the loss of loved ones. She often shared Scripture and words of encouragement, reminding her family to trust in God, serve others, and live with integrity. One of her favorite verses was Proverbs 3:5–6: “Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge Him, and He shall direct your paths.”
Betty also loved her country deeply. A sign on her apartment door read, “To a True American,” a gift from her daughter Candy. A fellow church member once said, “She is the most patriotic person I have ever known.”
Betty completed her book of memories in 2020, fulfilling one of her lifelong dreams. Her legacy is one of faith, service, perseverance, and love—lived fully and shared generously.
She will be remembered as a devoted mother, faithful servant, proud American, and a woman whose life reflected grace, strength, and unwavering belief in God.
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