Betty Louise Spence

SPENCE, Betty Louise (Daniel), age 97, passed away Saturday, March 24, 2024, in McKinney, Texas. Betty was born on February 24, 1927, in Wilson, Oklahoma to the late Arie Noble & Eva Pearl (Rambo) Daniel. The eldest of five children, Betty grew up in Wilson, where she was baptized at the First Baptist Church of Wilson before graduating from Wilson High School as Salutatorian in 1944.

She spent a year in service to her country during WWII at the Ardmore Army Air Field in a civilian role before attending college at North Texas State University. She graduated in 1949 with a Bachelor of Science in Home Economics and went on to receive her Master of Science in
Foods & Nutrition in 1953.

Betty married the late Robert Meredith Spence, Sr. of Bonham, Texas on August 28, 1947, in Denton, Texas. After teaching in West Texas for five years, the couple moved to Dallas in 1955, where they remained and raised two sons. Betty worked as a teacher, and then as an Elementary Math and Science Coordinator for the Mesquite Independent School District, until she retired in 1989. Betty was also an active member of the Mesquite chapter of Alpha Delta Kappa, a professional educators sorority.

During her time with MISD, Betty dedicated her career to the advancement of math and science curricula, earning the respect and admiration of peers and supervisors alike. While she held leadership roles within a variety of professional associations, she was most passionate about the science fair program. Her encouragement and mentorship led to many students' success at the national, state, and local levels.

Although her professional accomplishments were significant, Betty's happiest times were spent with her family, and she will be remembered as a beloved wife, mother, sister, aunt, and grandmother. She was quick to smile, with a generous spirit, a quiet strength, and a twinkle in her eye that told you just how special you were.

She lived a beautiful life, and her influence will forever be felt by those who were lucky enough to know her.

Betty was preceded in death by her parents; husband; and siblings Carroll Lee "Bardo" Daniel, Arie Noble "PeeWee" Daniel II, and Jo Eva (Daniel) Martin. She was survived by her brother Dee C. Daniel, who has since passed away.

She leaves to cherish her memory: her sons Robert M. Spence II (Carol Smith Spence) and Richard M. Spence; grandchildren Meredith Spence (Sarah), Robert Spence III (Eliza), and Nelson Spence (Daniel); great-grandchildren Isabella, Lachlan, Lincoln, and Mabel; and a host of other family and friends.

Pallbearers will be Ronnie Amlin, Rickie Amlin, Robert Spence III, Nelson Spence, Steve Martin, and Daniel Howard.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the American Lung Association or the Alzheimer's Association. Visitation to be held Saturday, April 6, 2024, 12-1pm at Wise Funeral Home, Bonham, TX with services beginning at 1pm. with Bro. Mike Williams officiating. Interment to follow at Willow Wild Cemetery in Bonham.