Betty Jo Porter

Betty Jo Collins Porter (80), born March 20, 1940 in Waxahachie, Texas, passed away peacefully surrounded by her loving family on November 8, 2020 in Mansfield, Texas.

She was preceded in death by her father, Ralph William Collins, her mother, Lettie Brown Simlar Collins, sisters, Virginia Nell Pribble and Frances Lucille Upchurch, and brother, R. W. Collins.  She is survived by her loving and devoted husband of 64 years, Odell Porter of Burleson, Texas, and sisters Margaret Ann Hutson, Caroline June Cathey, and Evelyn May Kelly; children Ricky Dell Porter; Lettia Jo Ledbetter and husband Alan; and Tracy Lynn Harris and husband Keith; grandchildren Dustin William Ledbetter and wife Christa; Derek Alan Ledbetter and wife Samantha Rhea; Samantha Danielle Ledbetter; and Garrett Wayne Harris; great grandchildren Chelsea Jo Ledbetter; Reagan Alice Ledbetter; Travis William Ledbetter; and Stella Rhea Ledbetter.  She was also dearly loved by many nieces and nephews.

Betty personified the beautiful woman described in Proverbs 31.  She married Odell on October 20, 1956 in Itasca, Texas.  They moved to Burleson in 1963 where she continued to be an exceptional homemaker, welcoming dear friends and family into her home for many occasions including 42 (domino) parties.  Betty loved the Lord and faithfully served alongside Odell as an elder’s wife in the Burleson Church of Christ for nearly 40 years.  Betty was a superb seamstress who enjoyed sewing her own dresses.  She was proud to have co-owned for 10 years with Tracy a successful retail business named Boot Scootin’ Western and Casual Wear in Burleson.  She loved selecting outfits for customers and seeing the joy on their faces because they felt good about themselves in their new clothes.  Everyone who knew Betty saw the joy in her heart by the big smile on her face and was blessed to share a laugh with her.

Karl Jones will officiate a service to remember Betty on Thursday, November 12, 2020 at 1:00 p.m., with viewing at noon, at the Burleson Church of Christ, under the direction of Mountain Valley Funeral Home.  Interment will follow at Green Acres Memorial Park in Cleburne, Texas.  In lieu of flowers, donations may be sent to the Alzheimer’s Association or another charity most meaningful to you.