Betty Richards May 24, 1935 ¡V May 22, 2006 Longtime Waco Realtor, Betty Jean Steward Richards, passed away at her home Monday, May 22, 2006 after a courageous battle with brain cancer. A Celebration of Life will be held Friday, May 26 at 11:30 am at Wilkirson-Hatch-Bailey with Monsignor Mark Deering officiating. Burial will follow at Holy Cross Cemetery. Family will receive friends from 5:30 pm to 8:00 pm Thursday, May 25 at Wilkirson-Hatch-Bailey Bosque Chapel. Betty was born May 24, 1935 in Cooper, Texas. She was the daughter of Clyde and Pauline Steward and one of five siblings. Betty moved with her family from Cooper to Lorenzo, TX where she graduated from Lorenzo High School in 1953. In July, 1953, she married James W. Richards. They made their permanent home in Waco upon the arrival of their twin daughters in December, 1955. Betty is survived by four daughters and one son; Debra McCarty Sibley and husband, Dr. Stuart Sibley of Dallas, TX, Cinda Vick and husband, Steve of Denton, TX, Linda Duggan and husband, John of Boca Raton, FL, Mary Huffman Perlman and husband, Gerry of Superior, CO, James W. Richards, Jr. of Waco; and step-daughter, Ann Avery Morrison and husband, John Morrison of Woodville, TX. Known as ¡§Nana¡¨ to her grandchildren: twin grandsons, Stephenson McCarty and Steward McCarty, step-granddaughter, Brooke Sibley; Taylor Vick, Allison Vick; Amber Duggan, Ashley Duggan; James W. Richards, III, Colby Burton Richards, Ryan Richards; Chance Huffman, step-granddaughter, Alesha Perlman and step-grandson, Chris Avery. Four sisters, Cathy Dockery of San Antonio, TX; Peggy Bronson and husband, Bob of Woodward, OK; Clydene Cooper and husband, Melvin of Milan, NM; and Nina Kay Monsey and husband, Ronnie of Hawley, TX; one sister-in-law, Mary Beth Law of Dallas, TX; and many nieces and nephews. Betty worked for a brief time at Rotan Mosle before beginning her real estate career. Her real estate career began in 1972 with Jim Stewart Realtors now known as Coldwell Banker, Jim Stewart Realtors. Betty was devoted to her family and took pride in creating a beautiful home where many treasured holidays and family gatherings were celebrated. She especially enjoyed her home, decorating, gardening, dancing, playing bridge, singing, studying the stock market, and remodeling homes. Betty had many interests in her lifetime and was very active. Some of her memberships included the Women¡¦s Federation Study Club, Waco Realtors Association, TAR, ABWA, Knomen Group, Waco Historic Foundation East Terrace Board, and wonderful bridge groups for 40+ years. Betty truly enjoyed and loved life and often told her friends that she was blessed and fortunate! She will be remembered for her impeccable, elegant sense of style, her appreciation of family and many friends, her laughter, and her deep faith. Honorary pallbearers will be her grandsons, Dr. Bryan Harris, Jim Stewart, and Tommy Tucker. The family wishes to thank Providence Hospice, especially her care-giver, Shontaeƒƒ Harden and Judy Smith, R.N., Dr. Mark Gilbert & staff at MD Anderson, Dr. Lawrence Canning & staff, and the Rehabilitation staff at Ridgecrest Retirement and Health Care. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be sent to Providence Hospice 4830 Lakewood Dr., Suite 2, Waco, TX 76710, Historic Waco Foundation ref. East Terrace Museum, 810 S. 4th St., Waco, TX 76706 or MD Anderson Brain Cancer Foundation. The family invites you to leave a message or memory in our ¡§Memorial Guestbook¡¨ at www.wilkirsonhatchbailey.com.
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