Dr Betty Jo Woodring's Obituary
Dr. Betty Woodring, wife, mom, grandmother, and, of course, teacher knew what she wanted to be at the age of 6, but could never have imagined the influence that she would have on so many. Betty, daughter of Opal and Joe Gregory, was born on November 23, 1932 in Marshall Texas. In 1949, her family moved to Dallas where she attended Woodrow Wilson High School. It was her math teacher at Woodrow that inspired her to pursue her dream to teach children. Betty attended North Texas State College and graduated with a BS in Education in 1954 and a MA in 1956. While attending North Texas State College, she met Wayne, her husband of 62 years. In 1957, they moved to Midland. While teaching 3rd and 4th graders, Betty discovered the Carden Curriculum which became the cornerstone of her school, Highlander. Betty and Wayne returned to Dallas in 1961 to begin their family. When it was time for their daughter, Jill, to go to school, Betty went in search of a school that used the Carden Curriculum. When she could not find one, she decided to begin her own school demonstrating her vision, determination, and love of teaching. On September 6, 1966, Highlander School opened its doors to 29 kindergarten and pre-kindergarten students and in spring of 1974, the first 6th grade class graduated. In 1976, the school moved from the Highlands Christian Church location to its current location on Plano Road, where Betty continued to teach students, direct her teachers, and grow her vision. Always wanting to learn more, Betty earned her Doctor of Philosophy in Elementary Education from the University of North Texas in 1990. When Matalee, her granddaughter, enrolled in the 3-year old class in 1997, Betty’s vision had touched the next generation. For 50 years, parents have been entrusting their children’s elementary education to her and her vision. Betty would always stand at the early childhood door to greet and get hugs every school morning before her morning announcements. Betty may have been driven in building her vision for Highlander, but it never came at the price of her family. Betty and Wayne have two children, Jill and Greg. Even as a working mom, she never missed a game or performance that either one of them had while growing up. When it came to her children, they felt her splitting her time between them and her school. She was always there for them. She had high standards for her children, but she loved them dearly and bottom line, would have done anything for them. Doing for others was her way of showing not only her love for them, but to show Christ’s love. Those who knew her knew that her granddaughters meant the world to her. While the girls were little, they spent the night with them every Friday night. I think it is fair to say that she treasured this time and the bond that she had with her granddaughters is extra special. As they began playing volleyball, she became an avid fan. She and Wayne were at most of their junior high, high school, club, and even college games to support them and cheer on their team. She was always encouraging the girls and letting them know just how proud she was of them, win or lose. She always wanted to do something for their teams and coaches because she loved all of them. For over 50 years, Betty and Wayne have been involved at Wilshire Baptist Church. But it was her Sunday School class, Charlie’s Angels, that meant the most to her. She was always planning a Sunday morning brunch or a party for the class. The members of this class took care of each other. Many times it was Betty taking food to someone but it was the class’s time to help her when Wayne had a stroke in March. Many of her dearest friends came from this class over the years. To talk about Betty without Wayne just isn’t possible. She loved him more than words can express. They balanced each other out. Betty wanted things finished yesterday and Wayne was fine with doing it tomorrow, but their love only grew stronger with each year. While in rehab for his stroke, Betty was by Wayne’s side 24/7. She was devoted to taking care of him. He was the love of her life and she could not imagine life without him. Betty was preceded in death by her sister, Johnnie Sands. She is survived by her husband Wayne, children Greg Woodring and Jill Reed, son-in-law Rob Reed, grandchildren Matalee and Morgan Reed, nephew Kent Sands (Loretta), cousin Butch Lomas (Norma) and every Highlander student because she loved them all. Memorial Service will be held in the sanctuary at Wilshire Baptist Church, 4316 Abrams Road, Dallas, Texas at 11:00 A.M. on Thursday, August 18, 2016. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to “The Jesus Film Project”. A former Highlander student named Kelley Brewer is part of this organization which aims to show “The Jesus Film” to everyone in the world in his or her own language. This is a group that was very near and dear to Betty’s heart. Checks may be made payable to “The Jesus Film Project” and mailed to: Patty Brewer 8604 Breakers Point Drive Dallas, TX 75243 Funeral arrangements have been entrusted to Restland Funeral Home and Memorial Park, 13005 Greenville Avenue, Dallas, TX 75243.
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