Bettye Murrell Warren
6/12/1931 - 12/16/2015
Bettye J. Murrell Warren (née Tanner), a vibrant, kind, and joyful participant in life, bid this world goodbye on December 16, 2015 at the age of 84.
Bettye, a depression era child, was born near Goose Creek, Texas to Henry Jefferson Tanner and Lometa Maxine Dunaway Tanner on June 12, 1931. She was the darling, only daughter of Henry and Maxine, with four brothers who loved her, and whom she "attended to": Bobby Tanner, Billy Tanner, and Charles Tanner, all who predeceased Bettye. She is survived by her beloved "baby brother," Jimmy Tanner.
Bettye married Lloyd Glenn Murrell on February 19, 1948 and they spent 58 happy, supportive, and fulfilling years together. Bettye and Lloyd eloped when Bettye was 16 years old. From that point on, Bettye and Lloyd were together, until his death on September 26, 2006. Their marriage was characterized by love, romance, and devotion rarely seen.
Later, God blessed Bettye by sending an old friend back into her life: Robert "Rusty" Warren. Bettye and Rusty went to school together and were close friends in junior high and early high school in Clute, Texas. He was smitten by her liveliness and spunk. Lloyd, upon his return from serving in the Navy, entered the picture when Bettye was 16, and they eloped. However, Rusty would reappear 59 years later and sweep her off her feet.
Bettye and Rusty were so faithful, true, and loyal to their first spouses, Lloyd and Florence, each of whom suffered serious and long-term health problems. We believe God rewarded Bettye and Rusty by creating the pathway for them to reacquaint and marry on November 24, 2007, at the age of 76 for both. They enjoyed eight lovely years together.
On the service front, Bettye's biggest passion was the Order of the Eastern Stars, Velasco Chapter No. 220, in which she was a Life Member. She served numerous roles in the chapter, including Past Matron. On the state level, Bettye was appointed as Grand Representative of Maine in Texas, 2005-2007. She also served as Mother Advisor to the girls' organization, Rainbow Girls. Bettye was also involved in multiple community and civic organizations and causes such as: Freeport Jaycees, area schools, Brazoria County Youth Home, and the First United Methodist Church of Freeport. In 1991, Bettye was honored as the "Foremost Freeporter" for her community service.
People in need or in grief were Bettye's "projects." She lifted them up, gave them guidance, or stepped in and did whatever they needed. She always knew what to do and say, and she never waited for someone to ask. The number of people that benefited from her charity, love, and friendship are innumerable.
Bettye was a kind, outgoing, spunky, loving woman, and she expressed these attributes consistently and gracefully. Her formula was simple: love and trust God, love and serve others unconditionally, live in gratitude for things large and small, respond with amazement at the world around you, practice humility, persevere.
Bettye is survived by her second husband, Robert "Rusty" Warren; her children: Lloyd ("Butch") G. Murrell, Jr. and wife Carroll; Terri L. Cardwell; Gwen Jones and husband Mike; Charlie K. Murrell and wife Annette. She is also survived by her grandchildren whom she loved so dearly: Lisa Murrell, Kevin Murrell, Julie Hughes, Melanie Henry, Kimberly Jurries, Bryan Cardwell, Katie Metcalf, Nicholas Jones, and Rachel Jones. She has 13 great-grandchildren
Family will receive visitors on Sunday, December 20, 2015 from 3:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m., at Lakewood Funeral Home, Lake Jackson, Texas.
The funeral service will be on Monday, December 21, 2015 at 10:00 a.m., at Lakewood Funeral Home followed by burial at Restwood Cemetery.
Pallbearers are grandsons Bryan Cardwell, Kevin Murrell, Nicholas Jones, and great grandsons Hunter Hughes, Colby Hughes, and Derek Henry.
Honorary Pallbearers are Larry Stanley, Jack Thompson, Kerry Wayne Hanson, Jeff Stanley, and John Hoss.
Donations to honor and celebrate Bettye's life may be made in her name to the Order of the Eastern Stars, Velasco Chapter No. 220 Freeport, Texas.
Arrangements by Lakewood Funeral Home.
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