Bette Sue Austin

Bette Sue Austin May 9, 1938 - November 2, 2009 Bette Sue Wood Austin, precious mother, grandmother, and friend was lovingly welcomed home by her Lord and Savior on Monday, November 2, 2009, at Hillcrest Baptist Medical Center in Waco. Funeral services will be at 11:00 a.m., Thursday, November 5, at Wilkirson-Hatch-Bailey Funeral Home followed by burial at Rosemound Cemetery in Waco. The family will receive visitors from 5 7 p.m., Wednesday, November 4, at Wilkirson-Hatch-Bailey Garden Room. Bette was born May 9, 1938, to P.H. and Eddie Marie Wood. She graduated from LaVega High School in 1956 and attended Baylor University. She went on to work for First National Bank in Midlothian, Texas. Bette owned her own health foods store in Midlothian, Texas. Later, she also worked in the title business for many years in Dallas before moving back to Waco where she continued her work. She most recently was a realtor for Keller Williams Realty. She enjoyed all types of music and was an avid ballroom dancer. Love and laughter came so easily to her. Some of the times that made her happiest were when she was playing cards with family and friends; she always had a new game to teach, but it was "Pounce" that was her favorite. Her true joy and calling in life was as a mother and grandmother, and she loved having all of her family gathered in one place. Bette was affectionately called "Gigi" by her grandchildren and great-grandchildren. Her family always meant everything to her, and she devoted her life to nurturing them. She loved passionately and taught those around her to love that way as well. The happiness of others was always of more importance to her than her own needs, and she proved that all the way up until the end. Unconditional love for family and friends is the quality for which Bette will best be remembered. Bette was preceded in death by her parents as well as her step-mother, Sybil Wood; sister, Dorothy Winkelmann; and brother, Doug Wood. Left to cherish the beautiful memory of Bette and carry on her legacy are her children, Susan Swanson and husband, Gordon, of Waco, Terry Austin and wife, Laurie, of Bronte, Kathy Parnell and husband, Mike, of Grandview, Joey Austin and wife, Amber, of Spring Branch; her sisters, Judy Macek and husband, Steve, Donna Holmes and husband, Matt; and brother, Larry Wood. Bette's grandchildren were such a special part of her life, Tiffany McFarling and husband, Brent, Kylie Sue Swanson, Tommy Swanson, Andrea Swanson, Emily Austin, Katie Austin, Ryan Parnell, Shelley Parnell, Ashleigh Godwin and husband, Casey, and Miles Austin. She had four great-grandchildren who were blessed to have had time with her, Anna Kate McFarling, Connor McFarling, Jordyn Baugh, and Brayden Baugh. Numerous nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends will treasure their time with Bette as well. Her sweet poodle, Kipsy, will miss her snuggles and sharing oatmeal cream pies. Pallbearers will be Matt Cooper, Victor Fowler, Keith Gilleland, Jud Hartson, Donald Tubbs, Tommy Tubbs Jr. and Larry Wood. Honorary pallbearers are Miles Austin, Ryan Parnell and Tommy Swanson. The family wishes to extend sincere appreciation to Dr. Gary Barbin, Dr. Hari Ancha, Dr. Robert Anderson, Dr. Ross Reagan, and Dr. Vikas Patel for the loving care they provided. In addition, a special thank you to all of the doctors and nurses at Hillcrest Baptist Medical Center, Regent Care, and Texas Oncology for the personal attention given to Bette and for their dedication to helping others. Memorials may be made to Community Cancer Association or Hillcrest Hospice of Waco. The family invites you to leave a message or memory in our "Memorial Guestbook" at www.wilkirsonhatchbailey.com.