Bettie Nix Lawson

Bettie N. Lawson, a beautiful beacon of love for her husband, children, grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and many friends, passed away peacefully on Thursday, January 18, 2024, with her beloved husband holding her hand and surrounded by family. She leaves a legacy of love that will continue for generations to come.

Bettie Louise Nix was born in Austin, Texas on June 19, 1938, to Albert and Mary Nix. Her brothers Larry and Terry completed the family a few years later. Most of Bettie's childhood was spent in a modest homestead near Creedmore, Texas, where she helped with all of the work of a farm household. Bettie Louise (as she was called by her family) blossomed in school, achieving almost every accolade possible at Buda High School, including valedictorian of her class of 1956. Other achievements included being voted senior class favorite, serving on the school newspaper and yearbook staff, and performing as drum major for the band. While in high school, she was also crowned "Dairy Queen" of central Texas in recognition of her beauty. Her family believes she grew even more beautiful over time. Bettie married shortly after high school and soon started the greatest of her roles in life: motherhood.

Mary Louise was born in 1958, David in 1959, and Patricia in 1962. When Bettie's first marriage ended, she started her career at First Federal Savings and Loan in Austin. Little did she know then how that job would lead her to the love of her life.

It was a co-worker who invited Bettie to a fast-pitch softball game to introduce her to a handsome catcher named Doug Lawson – a widower with four children. At an A&W Root Beer stand after the game, they flirted. She was smitten by his charm and good looks, and he was struck by her beauty and poise. Two years later, on December 20, 1967, they married at Bettie's parents' home, and the real-life "Brady Bunch" family began the adventure that would last more than 56 years.

Bettie and Doug were absolutely united in their commitment to and love for all of their children. There were no "step" children in their hearts, words, or actions. Love, time, and even a little loving discipline, were given equally to everyone. And as if having seven children under the age of 13 were not enough, they opened their hearts and home to Debbie – a child with Down Syndrome who was a resident of what was, at that time, the Austin State School. For the next 30 years, Debbie spent almost every holiday and much of the summers with "Mama and Daddy," as she always called them.

With all of these children in three-levels of school and involved in extra-curricular activities and sports, Bettie sometimes joked that her primary job was as chauffeur. But of course, she did so much more as the wife and mother of such a large and busy family.

During this time in Bettie's and Doug's lives, they were very actively involved at Woodlawn Baptist Church in south Austin. Many of the friendships they started there have lasted until today. It was also around this time that Bettie learned to play bridge and her love affair with card games really took off. Many dear friends were made and maintained for decades across the card table.

Some of Bettie's most cherished friends were members of her girls "Thirteen T's" group. Besides playing cards and other games, they spent many weekends at the lake, and generally loved and supported each other through the joys and sorrows of life. Bettie was deeply grateful for these special friendships. And then there was her sewing. Bettie was a true artist at the sewing machine. In high school, she made many of her own clothes, including a beautiful and elaborate formal gown. After marrying Doug, she made everything from school clothes to prom dresses and wedding gowns; she sewed boat-seat covers and awnings for the family cabin cruiser; and she made beautiful drapes for her homes. Later, she started her quilting phase and created intricate and beautiful quilts for Doug, their children and grandchildren. At last count, there are more than 30 quilts that family members will always cherish as wonderful reminders of her love.

After some of the children moved to homes of their own, Bettie returned to her career at First Federal and started her move up through the ranks, eventually becoming a vice president. She continued her success in the mortgage industry, and eventually retired from Temple Inland.

When Doug and Bettie were finally empty nesters, they designed a beautiful home in Lost Creek and lived there for 25 years. They were actively involved in Lost Creek Country Club and have many dear friends from that time in their lives. They also built (with their own hands!) a rustic cabin on Lake Travis that has been a special destination for them and their family for over 42 years.

In 2007, Doug and Bettie moved to Lakeway and created a warm home that became the gathering point for every holiday and many other special family occasions. Bettie seemed not to know how to cook for small groups. She loved nothing more than getting out the good china and silverware for 30 or more people. And of course, she always asked everyone to join hands for the blessing before digging into whatever wonderful meal she had prepared.

It is impossible to put into words the impact that Bettie had in this world in her 85 years of life. She was the most inclusive, non-judgmental, and loving person we know, and she made everyone she met feel special to her. She will continue to live through the love that she gave to everyone around her, but especially to her family: husband Doug Lawson; brothers Terry Nix and wife Kathy, and Larry Nix (deceased); children Steve Lawson and wife Terri Bennett, Monica Leo, Janice Mangrum and partner Nancy Villanueva, Mary Avery and husband Clay, Doug Lawson and wife Melinda, David Wilkins and wife Gwen, and Patricia Barker; grandchildren and their families - Stanton Lawson, Troy Lawson, Alana Lively, Seth Leo, Scout Leo Stern, Kelsey Mangrum Haltermann, Hunter Mangrum, Shannon Lawson Bond, Daniel Lawson, Tristan Lawson, Michelle Wilkins Haby, Jacob Wilkins, Joshua Wilkins, Jordan Wilkins, James Barker, and Ryan Barker; and 17 great-grandchildren. Also left to mourn her passing is Marc A. Mangrum.

Visitation 10:00 am on Friday, January 26, 2024 at Beck Funeral Home 15709 Ranch Road 620 Austin, TX 78717 with Funeral Service to begin at 11:00 am. Immediately after the service reception to follow at the funeral home. Interment 2:30 pm at Capital Parks Cemetery.