Bettye Jane (Lawless) Garza

We regretfully announce the passing of Bettye Jane Garza, age 86, a beloved member of the Lawn community, on November 6, 2023. Visitation will be held at Fry Smith Funeral Home on Wednesday, November 8, 2023 from 5-7pm. Funeral service will be Thursday, November 9, 2023 at 9:30 at Lawn Baptist Church with burial to follow at Texas State Veterans Cemetery.

Born on July 21, 1937, in Lawn, Texas to Clyde and Clara Lawless, Bettye was the embodiment of kindness, strength, and grace. Bettye graduated a Lawn Longhorn in 1955 and then pursued more education with determination, earning college credits before accepting a job at the Lawn Nursing Home. After the nursing home closed, she found a job at Timex and worked there until they closed in 1976. Texas Instruments became her new home and she finished her career there retiring in 1993.

Bettye married Troy Pentecost in December 1954. They had 3 children; D'Waine, Dwight, and D'Angela. Troy and Bettye divorced in 1970. While working at Texas Instruments, she met Frank Garza. The two were married on November 27, 1985. Their love story was one of deep companionship, support, and unwavering devotion. Together, for 37 years, they built a beautiful life filled with precious memories.

Bettye found joy in the simple pleasures of life and had an unwavering commitment to her family and friends. She loved gardening, quilting, sewing and ceramics. She was a devoted member of Lawn Baptist Church and generously volunteered her time to her community. She served as Senior Citizen Director of Lawn for many years as well as being a City Council Woman for the City of Lawn for over 10 years.

She is preceded in death by her parents, Clyde and Clara Lawless and her sister, Bernie Zimmerlee and brother-in-law, Johnny Zimmerlee.

Bettye Jane Garza will be remembered fondly for her infectious laughter, kind-heartedness, and unwavering love. Her legacy will continue to inspire and guide all those whose lives she touched. She leaves behind 7 grandchildren, 4 great grandchildren, and several nieces and nephews who will dearly miss her.

In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests that donations be made in Bettye's honor to a charity of your choice.