Betty Ann Brink

Betty Ann Brink, 75, of The Woodlands, formerly of Beaumont, died Sunday, March 9, 2025. She was born on March 23, 1949, in Beaumont, to Bonnie Jean Tattman and Melvin Martin Combs.

Betty’s father was a distinguished State District Judge for Beaumont. Her paternal grandfather was a distinguished Congressman for Beaumont, as well as a circuit judge. He was infamous for his statement while in Congress, that you can find more brains in the Big Thicket by throwing a pinecone than you can in Washington.

Betty graduated from Baylor University in 1971 with a degree in Sociology. She met her future husband while at Baylor. He noticed her in German class and pursued her until they were engaged and married. They were married on July 3, 1971, and lived a wonderful life together for fifty-three years and nine months. After they were married, they returned to Texas A&M, where Ronald completed his degree for being an architect. While in Bryan, Betty worked for the Austin State Hospital, a very challenging job. Her career had been very challenging, but she always placed her clients first in lieu of paperwork. Betty was the traditional social worker and always visited her clients even though while at Harris County she was being pushed to sit at the computer and do reports. Betty could not do that. Her clients were always first and they dearly respected that. When Betty was born at St. Elizabeth Hospital in Beaumont, the Nuns gave her her middle name of Ann after Saint Ann. Betty followed Saint Ann and was a true Saint and everyone that knew and met Betty would agree. No finer person.

Despite numerous fertility problems, Betty gave natural childbirth to two wonderful daughters, Bonnie and Christie. It was a true miracle.

Betty retired around 2006 and was enjoying a wonderful retirement, riding her bicycle daily twelve to fifteen miles, and around three hundred miles a month. At 72, in 2021, her doctors could not believe how mentally and physically fit she was. Unfortunately, in April of 2021, while riding her bicycle she was run over by an automobile. She recovered from the physical injuries but about eighteen months ago she developed traumatic brain injury and vascular dementia. These conditions would ultimately cause her demise.

Betty was truly a Saint. She never had any derogatory statements about anyone, nor did anyone speak ill of her. She will be forever truly missed. A tremendous unbelievable loss way before her time.

Survivors include her husband, Ronald Brink; children, Bonnie Brink of Midland and Christie Brink of Sanford, North Carolina; siblings, Carolyn Combs, Katherine Combs, and Martin Combs; and numerous colleagues, extended family, and friends through the years.

Betty is preceded in death by her parents.

Memorial contributions may be made to an organization of one’s choice.

A gathering of Mrs. Brink’s family and friends will be from 4:00 p.m. until 6:00 p.m., Sunday, March 16, 2025, at Broussard’s, 1605 North Major Drive, Beaumont. Her graveside service will be 1:00 p.m., Monday, March 17, 2025, at Magnolia Cemetery, 2291 Pine Street, Beaumont.