Bette Ward Jackson

Bette, or “Bey” as she was known by her family, passed away September 11, 2017, at Cedar Ridge Alzheimer’s facility in Cedar Park, Texas, where she resided for the past ten years. Bette was born in Marion, Louisiana, in 1926. She attended Louisiana Tech University, where she received her degree in Business Administration in only three years. While at Tech, Bette was a cheerleader, homecoming maid, member of Theta Upsilon sorority and secretary to the athletic director. Following graduation, she married her husband of 62 years, C.M. (Jack) Jackson of Gilbert, Louisiana. After their wedding, they moved to Baton Rouge and later to Lake Charles in 1951, where they resided for 25 years. Bette was an active member of First Presbyterian Church, where she taught Sunday School and was a faithful member of the Women’s Circle Club—activities she continued for years in Houston, Texas at Braeburn Valley Presbyterian Church. In the early 60’s, Bette returned to college and received her second degree from McNeese State University in Early Childhood Education. In her late 20’s, she was stricken with Multiple Sclerosis, a disease she fought vigorously for years. In spite of her having to walk with a brace and cane, she continued teaching elementary school and participated in city functions while her husband served on the City Council. During this time, she also remained active in Boy Scouts, Girls Scouts, Little League baseball, PTA, Oak Park Garden Club, attended every LSU home game, and her true love, the church. Bette was featured in Louisiana Life Magazine as a “Lovely Lady of 1962.” In her late 70’s, Bette was diagnosed with breast cancer. After having major surgery she continued her fight, swimming daily as she had done for years, walking, never expressing a single word of negativity and smiling constantly. She counseled friends and those referred to her on how to cope with Multiple Sclerosis, attended their funerals, and visited their families. Bette was a vivacious, petite, Southern lady, an advocate for education, exercise, diet and belief in God. A continuous smile was on her face – never a negative word or thought, and just being with her made you feel better about the world and yourself.

Bette was preceded in death by her longtime husband Jack, whom she worshipped. Though fighting through Alzheimer’s, she asked at his death, “Can you love someone too much?” She is survived by two children: Lyn Jackson Watson (and husband Frank) of Liberty Hill, Texas, and Chuck Jackson of Lake Charles, Louisiana, five grandchildren who adored “their Bey,” and eleven great grandchildren.

Visitation will be at Johnson Funeral Home from 4 until 7 p.m. on Wednesday, September 13, 2017. Graveside services will be at 10 a.m. on Thursday, September 14, 2017 at Prien Memorial Park. The Very Reverend Jack Myers will officiate.

The family of Bette Jackson would like to express their heartfelt thanks to the entire staff of Cedar Ridge Alzheimer’s Facility in Cedar Park, Texas and Kindred Hospice in Georgetown, Texas.

Donations in memory of Bette Jackson may be made to Kindred Hospice, 2913 Williams Drive, No. 320, Georgetown, TX 78628.