Betty Jean McKay

Betty Jean Lee McKay passed away May 10, 2025, in Chandler, Texas. She was born August 12, 1928, in Chandler to Rosa Cramer Lee Monk and Tom Lee.
Betty and Hewitt McKay were married on January 27, 1949, and soon after moved back to Chandler, where she resided for 74 years. She was preceded in death by her husband, Hewitt, brother Tom Billy Lee, and sister Martice Bennett.
Betty is lovingly remembered by her daughter Lucinda McKay, son James McKay (Robin), daughter Jeanne Lehrmann (Richard, d), and son Stan McKay (Amy). She is also survived by four grandsons, Tyler, Clay, Cash, Carter, granddaughter, Starla Lehrmann Richter (Matt), and great-granddaughter Sloan Rose Richter, many nephews, nieces, and cousins.
After graduating from Chandler High School in 1945, Betty worked as a telephone switchboard operator in Tyler. In 1952, she became a full-time homemaker and spent the next 15 years raising her four children. In 1967, she began training to fulfill a lifelong dream to become a nurse. After receiving her LVN in 1968 and RN license in 1977, she spent the next 25 years in her chosen career. After retirement, she became a dedicated volunteer at the library and for the Chandler Historical Society. Betty loved playing 42 and was an avid bridge player. She enjoyed gardening, traveling, and attending events that involved her children and grandchildren.
Visitation will be at Chandler Memorial Funeral Home on Monday, May 12th, from 5:00 – 7:00 PM. Graveside services will be held at Chandler Memorial Cemetery at 11:00 AM on Tuesday, May 13th. Pallbearers are grandsons Tyler, Clay, Cash and Carter McKay, nephew Doug McKay, Matt Richter, Paul Carver, Luster Kidd, and Chuck McHam.
In lieu of flowers, please feel free to donate to The Hospice of East Texas or the charity of your choice.