Betty “Betsy” Bernice Battle

Betty “Betsy” Bernice Battle passed away on Friday, June 2, 2023, at the age of 94. She was born on December 14, 1928, in Frisco City, Alabama, to Bernice and Terrance Greene. She moved with her parents to Dallas at an early age, where she grew up with her younger brother Terry, and younger sister, Brenda. Betsy and her future husband, Don Battle, first crossed paths, or rather crawled across paths, when they were babies in the same church nursery in Dallas. It must have been love at first sight because years later, in September 1948, they married. After Don graduated from Texas A&M University and served in the United States Air Force, they eventually settled in Beaumont during the 1950s.

Betsy was a loving mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother. She was a wonderful wife to Don, who she has missed dearly for the last 23 years following his death in 2000. Together, Mom-Mom and Papa, as they were affectionately known by their grandchildren and great-grandchildren, designed and literally built with their hands, the home in which they lived until their deaths. Betsy and Don’s marriage of 52 years epitomized true love and devotion.

Betsy was exceedingly creative and loved interior design. She returned to school to hone her decorating skills and used her talent to create the warm and lovely home that she and Don built. Their style was heavily influenced by their love and appreciation of Mexican architecture and culture. During the 1960s, they started a gift/home decor shop in Beaumont called Marketplace International, stocking it with handcrafted goods thoughtfully procured on their frequent trips to Mexico with their friends-become-business-partners.

As their family expanded, Mom-Mom loved hosting gatherings in her home, cooking and serving delicious meals for everyone. Papa added to the warmth and decor of their home with the amazing artworks he painted. Betsy, an artist in her own right, practiced her hand at watercolor painting, drawing inspiration from the floral and botanical beauty she found in nature and in her own backyard. Betsy loved tending to her yard, and even in her later years, she could be found there, cutting flowers and vines to be placed into vases, adding her own special touch of nature to the great indoors.

Betsy worked for many years at the Beaumont Heritage Society. She was a member of the local Garden Club and loved spending time with friends. She and Don also enjoyed traveling together. Don, an avid photographer and camera enthusiast, chronicled their travels with his camera and film. Betsy and Don’s large collection of film and photographs preserves the fond memories they created together.

Betsy had a remarkable sense of humor, a quick wit, deep and devout faith, a cheerful and helpful demeanor, and loved to explore new ideas, even into her later years. She was an avid reader and kept a daily journal for decades, jotting down events of the day, no matter how mundane or exciting. She always knew when comforting words and a loving hug were needed, and she was very happy to deliver. She greeted everyone she met with a smile. Her gentle kindness, whether you knew her or not, was evident, even without a word.

Betsy has been very lovingly cared for by numerous people to whom we are eternally grateful. Thank you always to Ida Atkins, Fredia Wilson, Desiree Wilson, Lisa January, Maggie Sattler, Helen Harrison, and Bonella Sells.

Betsy is survived by her two children, son, Doug Battle and wife, Karla Battle and daughter, Lisa Battle Wetegrove and husband, Raymond Wetegrove; her five grandchildren, Amber Sealy and husband, Jared Sealy, Laurel Arias and husband, Slater Arias, Philip Wetegrove, Nicholas Wetegrove and wife, Sarah McNamara Wetegrove, Ady Wetegrove Durham and husband, Jonathan Durham; seven great-grandchildren, Abigail Sealy, Avery Sealy, Harper Arias, Goldie Arias, Sloane Eleanor Wetegrove, soon to be baby girl Wetegrove, and Henry Battle Durham; her siblings, brother, Terry Greene and wife, Patsy Greene and sister, Brenda Lancaster and partner, Harley Flood. She was preceded in death by her husband, Lloyd Donald “Don” Battle and her parents, Bernice and Terrance Greene.

For those wishing to make memorial contributions, may we suggest the Alzheimer’s Association, 6055 South Loop East, Houston, Texas 77087 donate online and/or the Humane Society of Southeast Texas, 2050 Spindletop Avenue, Beaumont, Texas 77705 donate online.

Mrs. Battle’s graveside service will be 2:00 p.m., Saturday, June 10, 2023, at Forest Lawn Memorial Park, 4955 Pine Street, Beaumont, under the direction of Broussard’s, 1605 North Major Drive, Beaumont.