Betty Ruth Kaplan Greenberg
Betty Greenberg was born Betty Ruth Kaplan in Alexandria, Louisiana. She passed peacefully on Friday, December 1, 2023, at her home in Thomas Park in Beaumont.
Growing up in Alexandria, she was frequently at her father’s side learning the retail business at his department store. Her first taste of the limelight came when, at the age of eight, she won first prize in a talent contest. The award was a Betty Boop doll. She was stage struck from that day forward.
Betty met her love and life partner, Sheldon Greenberg, in Alexandria, Louisiana, while he was serving in the United States Army-Air Corps. After a six-week romance, they were married on February 24, 1946. They moved to Beaumont where Sheldon joined his father and brother in the family business known as the Fair Store. Together, they raised five children and built The Fair Stores into a twenty-eight-store chain. Betty’s strong work ethic, incredible fashion sense and delight in making others feel beautiful made her an invaluable asset to both her husband and the company.
Governor Clement declared Betty an honorary Texas Citizen. Mayor Maurice Meyers issued a proclamation creating Betty Greenberg Day in Beaumont and the Neches River Festival named her the Outstanding Citizen of the Year. She received special recognition from Main Street for her fundraising and commendable support of the restoration of the Jefferson Theatre. Suits of Success, a program supporting young women with donations of business wear, named Betty the “Best Dressed Woman” for her mentorship of women in business. She received the prestigious J. C. Creager Award and in February of 1991, she was declared the American Heart Association’s “Woman With Heart.”. In June of 2001, Beaumont Mayor, David Moore, proclaimed Betty Greenberg Day in Beaumont for the second time.
The fabulous Betty G. was dubbed the “two-million-dollar lady” for the literal millions of dollars she raised for charity and the arts including organizations ranging from the United Way to the Sisterhood at Temple Emanuel and the United Jewish Appeal, by which she was recognized for her “great efforts”. She was a driving force for the good of the community and did extensive fund raising for Lamar University, the March of Dimes, and Boys Haven where she created the organization’s annual fundraiser, the Crawfish Festival. The L. U. annual “Funtier Frolic” which she created and chaired for five years raised over a hundred thousand dollars for the Presidential scholarship fund. She served on the Board of Directors at St. Elizabeth Hospital for more than a decade. Betty served as the Telethon Chairman for the Muscular Dystrophy Association raising the largest amount the organization had received in any year.
Betty was a part of Beaumont Community Players for six decades. A leading lady in the nineteen fifties and sixties, she became an even bigger star as the “fundraiser-in-chief” who worked tirelessly to make the Betty Greenberg Center for Performing Arts, named in her honor, a reality. In, 2018, the players celebrated her ninetieth birthday with “Betty’s Birthday Bash” which was attended by an at capacity crowd. The event included a vintage fashion show featuring her amazing collection of styles worn by several of the models that had appeared in her decades of fashion show presentations.
Betty leaves a legacy of love for her family and friends and the abundant evidence of her generosity and kindness. Her memory is, and will be, a blessing.
Survivors include their children, Frank Greenberg and his wife, Jennifer; Sherry Shefman and her husband, Michael, all of Austin; and Marc Greenberg of Beaumont; daughter-in-law, Barbara Brookner, and her husband, Steven, of Beaumont; granddaughter, Jenny Palermo and her husband, Thomas; great-grandchildren, Trey Palermo and Lilly Palermo, all of Houston; nieces, Deborah Kaplan of Houston; Rosalyn Kaplan of Atlanta; Dena Frankfurt; MiMi Levy; Rachael Hausmann and husband, Mark; Judith Kiefer; and nephews, Sidney Kaplan and Meyer Kaplan both of Louisiana; and Brad Klein and his wife, Catherine, of Beaumont.
Her husband, Sheldon Greenberg, and her sons, Bruce Greenberg and Jeff Greenberg, preceded her in death.
The family wishes to acknowledge the loving care given Betty by Pearlie Mae Woods, Katry Martin, Kathy Simpson, Mary Thomas, Alma Turner, and the ladies of Home Health Care: Christa Broussard, Shirley Rainwater, April Drake, and Casey Flitcraft.
Memorial contributions may be made to United Jewish Appeal, Israel Emergency Fund, https://www.ujafedny.org/israel-emergency-fund or Betty Greenberg Center for Performing Arts, 4155 Laurel Avenue, Beaumont, Texas 77707.
A funeral service for Mrs. Greenberg will be 11:00 a.m., Friday, December 8, 2023, at Broussard’s, 2000 McFaddin Avenue, Beaumont with her interment to follow at Hebrew Rest Cemetery, Beaumont.
Video
Funeral Service
Broussard’s Mortuary McFaddin Ave.
- 2000, Mcfaddin Avenue, Beaumont, Texas, 77701,
- December 8, 2023
- 11:00 am
Interment
Hebrew Rest Cemetery
- 2219, Pine Street, Beaumont, Texas, 77703,
- December 8, 2023
Dear Mark and family: Lord, I loved Betty G! Both my parents Jean and Earl adored her, but Earl and Betty were bosom buddies. I loved martini nights and heavy hors d’oeuvres at the Greenbergs when I was home for the holidays. Betty was always raising a glass, belting a song, telling a joke, showing her love. You always knew when Betty entered the room and when she left the room wasn’t as bright. To paraphrase Betty’s favorite song to sing: “The name on everybody’s lips was always BETTY!” Kiss, kiss, and much love, Jamie Brickhouse
The video is beautiful!
A great tribute to a beautiful woman.Bless you and rest in peace.
Betty was our friend, neighbor and supporter of Becky when she was in office. Would often see Betty when walking our dog and she was so pleasant and such a lovely person.
Our condolences, thoughts and prayers go out to the family and Betty will be missed so much.
Betty was an amazing person. I was privileged to do the decorations for her birthday bash. It was a wonderful time for everyone, but the best part was how happy and pleased she was. She made a profound impression on so many lives. I am grateful to have known her.
My sincere condolences to her family and loved ones. She will be missed,,,,but never forgotten.
To Marc, Sherry and Frank,
Our deepest condolences on the loss of your beautiful mother. She was always so caring, loving , compassionate, and had a great sense of humor! She was an elegant and stylish lady! Time spent with Betty G was very special. She was one of a kind and we will cherish memories of our times spent with her.
Toni and Liz Ryan
It was an honor and privilege to know and work for Mrs. Betty. She was a beautiful and funny lady, your memory will be in my heart forever. Rest in peace sweet lady. Lord comfort the Greenberg family who is mourning, and may they feel your love surrounding them. In Jesus name Amen.
“I am so deeply sorry for your loss. Your mother was a wonderful person who touched the lives of many. May you find strength and solace in the memories you shared together. May her Soul Rest in Paradise.
Mark,Frank, and Sherry,
My deepest condolences to You and your Family.
Mrs. Greenberg was a lady, with a wonderful heart,full of love and happiness.
You were so blessed,to have her in your lives for many many years.
Mr.Mrs,and Frank were at our
Mother’s (Syble’s) funeral.
Good -by gracious Lady,rest well. 🙏 ✝️ 🙏
We love ❤️ you.
Mark,Frank, and Sherry,
My deepest condolences to You and your Family.
Mrs. Greenberg was a lady, wth a wonderful heart,full of love
and happiness.
You were so blessed,to have her in your lives many many years.
Mr.Mrs,and Frank were at our
Mother’s (Syble’s) funeral.
Good -by gracious Lady,rest well. 🙏 ✝️ 🙏
We love you.
Marc, Frank, and Sherry,
Our condolences and sympathy to you and your family. Your Mom was always uplifting, happy, vivacious, and looked stunning. She was eager to visit with you, and welcome you into her home, beach house, or any where you found her. Betty would greet you with big hugs, and genuine caring. She was a special person who is already greatly missed! Our Prayers and thoughts are with you,
Sincerely,
Scott, Michelle, Robert, and Sean Ryan.
Dear Sherry, Marc, Frank & Family you have My Deepest and Heartfelt Sympathy. May She Rest In Peace. 🙏 ✝️🙏🏼 Hessie
Our condolences to a wonderful lady
Condolences and prayers for the family of great woman and mother. I was fortunate enough to know her family and sons during my years in Beaumont. I always visit the grave sites of Jeff and Bruce when I pay my respects to the family. My parents are interred near them. May she rest in peace.
Dear Sherry and family,
Thoughts and prayers to you all at this time and going forward. Your mom was always so kind to me and through the years when I would see her at some events about town she remembered me and always gave me a special feeling. What a gracious lady! I will remember her fondly.
Love to you,
Victoria Elliott Baker
Sundays at the Greenbergs’, after Temple. As a kid, I simply had no reference to slot her in. As I learned more about the world, I realized she WAS the reference!
Rest in Peace, cuz.
Sherry, it’s Patty Chambliss. I am so sorry your family is going through this. you and your family are in my thoughts and prayers. 🩷 Patty
Betty Greenberg was one in a million! She had so much energy and her infectious smile lit up a room. Tim and I were so grateful to have her in our lives. Our condolences to the Greenberg family. She will be missed.
My heartfelt condolences to Marc, Sherry, and the rest of the family. May she rest in peace.
What a privilege to have Betty Greenberg in my life. I will always remember working on projects for Lamar University and the Women’s and Children’s Shelter with her. She was in 100% with her extraordinary fund raising skills, her whole heart, energy, and elegance and an ice chest full of champagne. She showed me we grow older but we don’t have to be frumpy. She helped me with business opportunities. Yes, she was our Mame, a legend who will live forever in our hearts
Thank you, Dear Friend. Heaven is in for a treat.
Even as a young person Betty Greenberg is someone that you were aware of & always in good way. As years passed i called her the “Queen of charities” . If you wanted to raise money for a good cause then Betty was there to help & many times lead the way.
As years passed I began to see Betty at these functions or just out about town. She was always the nicest person to everyone which made her work for charities even more admirable.
Decades ago when HIV/AIDS was a disease that no one wanted to me associated with, I remember Betty taking a bold stand to help my good buddy Jeff McManus elevate the good work he was already doing to raise funds for the Triangle Aids Network. With the “Queen of charities” on your side she made it okay for others to get on board which in turn helped so many people.
That was the Betty I knew. I thank her for all the good works she did for decades & she will be missed by all.
Prayers for the family,
mike cacioppo
Betty you were so loved by so many. You will never be forgotten as your grace, beauty and service to so many people you touched is everlasting ! Rest in eternal peace and may your memory always be a beautiful blessing ! Love, Susan
Betty G.! Larger than life, always thinking and doing for others. Memories of Lullaby of Broadway, 15 fabulous years of singing and dancing, laughter and love. You were like a second mother to soo many of us. Thank you precious friend for enriching my life in countless ways. Heaven’s stage is awaiting, the microphone is on, and you’re ready to ‘belt’ out Diamonds are a Girl’s Best Friend. ❤️🌈Paige
Upon moving to Beaumont in 1965 Betty took me under her wings both on stage and offstage. She introduced me to everyone at Beaumont Community Players, and it went on to be a lasting love of community theater we worked together on many projects, and I can remember all the good times we had. Betty always walked the walk and talked the talk and gave with her heart. One of the hardest things to do was to keep a secret from Betty because she seemed to know everyone and would find anything out, but the one thing that did happen was when I worked hard to get the theater named for her. Her surprise was unbelievable and we both laughed because I kept a secret from her, she was so deserving and she will be in my heart forever .
Frank, Sherry, Marc & family,
Heartfelt condolences upon the passing of your beautiful mom, Betty Kaplan Greenberg. She was an amazing woman, talented, creative, fun-loving, gorgeous. She was such a giving person, raising funds for so many organizations, and received well-deserved tributes. What a legacy she has left, & she will be missed with love ❤️ .
Love to you all,
Beth
Always wanted me to sing “I Wanna Be Loved By You” however, Betty finished it every time! So sweet to my children Ava and Nicholas and a great friend to me. Condolences to the Greenberg family.
The always funny, often irreverent and 100% vibrant Betty G was a force a nature but more importantly a force for good. She touched so many lives with her kindness of heart and generosity including my own. I hope to see you on the other side – I will bring the Kelly’s Katch caviar and orange juice & vodka for our screwdrivers.
Godspeed, Mrs. Greenberg.💔🙏🏼
Betty G💕 you were loved by so many of us! I’ve known you my entire life and spent many times at your Thomas Road home swimming, dinners, Hanukkahs, and parties. I enjoyed modeling for you at so many events/fundraisers and the BCC and worked one summer for you in your designer boutique at The Fair.
Elinor told me about the evening at their apartment at the Mildred when you and Sheldon were dating that he was the one!
I know you were welcomed in Heaven by so many of your family and friends – Elinor and Gene Burrus with one of Dad’s signature old fashioneds!
Love you forever❤️
Vivian Burrus Todd
It was an honor and privilege to know Betty over all these years.
What a wonderful lady!
Condolences to the family.
Marc and family,
Our deepest condolences in the passing of your beautiful mother. Betty was the most vivacious and classy lady, that was the most gracious and kind person I was blessed to know, I know she is waking through the gates of heaven, and greeting her beloved family and friends. Big hugs and love.
Connie Zuzukin
May she Rest In Peace. Lovely lady.
An inspiration and will never be forgotten for all she accomplished and love she shared…rest my friend.
Mark and Katy Jefferson
What a role model for us all .. all her life .. beautiful, energetic, knew how to get anything accomplished, (with flair & love) How we have missed her & will for many days ahead.. My deepest sympathies to all you children & my love , Judy D.
Betty Greenberg inspired all to live life to the fullest. She was beautiful, funny, elegant and smart! She was the Mame to all who knew her. “Life is a banquet and most poor souls are starving.”
Love and rest in peace.
She was a Great Lady!
What a beautiful woman in so many ways . I still carry the good memories I have of her with me. Better man to have known her. God speed BG.