BETTIE BRANSON WARD

1928 - 2021

Bettie Branson Ward; ("Mimi" to those close to her) passed away peacefully in her sleep, after a short illness complicated by pneumonia, on Feb. 21, 2021 after 93 years of smiles, laughter, and a keen wit.

She was born to Frank L. and Mary B. Branson on Feb. 8, 1928 in Indianapolis, Ind. and spent her early teenage years in Tucson, Arizona while her Dad served in World War II. Moving back to Oberlin, Ohio, she graduated Oberlin High School in 1945 and followed her older sister, Pat, to the University of Texas at Austin where she was to meet her future husband, Joe H Ward, Jr., while grading undergraduate physics papers. She was later to obtain a Master's in Education Degree from Our Lady of the Lake University in San Antonio, TX in 1969. She cherished her career in Elementary Education; first at St. Mary's Hall in 1949-52 and then as a second grade teacher at Cambridge Elementary School in Alamo Heights from 1971-1984.

Bettie was active in community life in San Antonio; from her early years as President of the Sunset Hills Elementary School PTA and member of the League of Women Voters to later in life as President and Treasurer of the Alamo Heights Retired Teachers Association. She was an active member of the Friends of the San Antonio Public Library and a Docent of the Institute of Texan Cultures; where in retirement she spent many an afternoon in elementary classrooms, dressed in period costume portraying early Texas settlers; a role she thoroughly enjoyed. She served as a Board Member for the Northwest YMCA and on the Chancellor's Council of the University of Texas System. She was an active member for many years in the First Unitarian-Universalist Church of San Antonio; many of whose members became steadfast friends and support during the twilight of her life.

Her last and greatest 13 years were spent at The Forum at Lincoln Heights in San Antonio; whose staff and residents became her "second family" and who marveled at her up-beat attitude, infectious laugh, and sparkly-sequined jackets. When not at The Forum; she traveled the world with her eldest son, Bradley, in-tow to experience the many cultures she embraced.

She was preceded in death by her husband of 62 years, Joe H Ward Jr., her parents, and her Daughter-in-law Miriam Ward. She is survived by her older sister, Patricia Johnson, of Austin, TX; sons Bradley Ward of San Antonio and Dr. Kent Ward and wife Marsha of Edmond, Ok; Grandchildren Kevin Ward and wife Laura, Molly Jobe and husband Casey both of Edmond, OK; Miranda James and husband Austin, of San Antonio; and great grandchildren Bennett, Fletcher, Lyla, Piper, Margot, and Teddi.

"Mimi" will be honored at a "Celebration of Life" ceremony at a date to be determined. She asked that in lieu of flowers, donations be made to the following charities: Institute of Texan Cultures Endowment Fund; Friends of the San Antonio Public Library; First Unitarian-Universalist Church of San Antonio; or to the charity of your choice.

The family would like to acknowledge Amada Senior Care whose caregivers treated Mimi like she was their Mom.

She wanted this poem to be read at her service:

AFTERGLOW

Helen Lowrie Marshall

I'd like the memory of me to be a happy one, I'd like to leave an afterglow of smiles when day is gone.

I'd like to leave an echo whispering softly down the ways, Of happy times, and laughing times, and bright and sunny days. I'd like the tears of those who grieve to dry before the sun, Of happy memories that I leave When life is done