Betty Jo "Betz" McGee

Betty Jo (Betz) McGee Betty Jo Beazley was born on March 15, 1934, to William Henry Beazley and Queenie Vee (Samms) Beazley in Waco, Texas and slipped the bonds of this earth to join her family in Heaven on July 23, 2024. She grew up in Waco and attended school there; upon graduation from Waco High School, she enrolled at Baylor University where she studied Business and Music, manifesting and developing her lifelong passion of singing, performing in several choral groups and choir. It was during her Senior year that Betz met her future husband and life partner, Delbert David McGee, while he was stationed at James Connally Air Force Base (now TSTC Airport – Waco) serving as an Air Force flight instructor. Their union lasted for 64 years and only ended with D.D.’s passing in 2020, during which time they raised four sons and welcomed 4 grandchildren, 8 great grandchildren, and two great-great grandchildren. A loving Mother and Grandmother, Betz also served as a motherly figure to countless others. Her love of family was defined by her love for God and commitment to her Christian faith and how she lived her life. She grew up in the First Baptist Church in Waco, and after moving to Dallas with her husband and growing young family, she immediately joined the First Baptist Church in Dallas where she became a leading presence as a soloist, group leader, and ensemble member. She served as a Sunday School Teacher in the Young Adults departments and in Vacation Bible School. She and her husband delighted in hosting gatherings over the years at their ranch in Forney for the FBC Choir, Deacons Committee, Sunday School Departments, and other church organizations. Upon their permanent move to Forney in 1972, they became members of the First Baptist Church in Forney where she maintained faithful commitments and they both served many loving and treasured roles for over fifty years. Betz served Forney ISD as a substitute teacher for many years until – at the age of 54 – she reentered the workforce, eventually retiring as an administrative assistant from Hogan Systems. She was a lifelong equestrian who loved her horses, and Betz and D.D. traveled all over Texas riding the trails and exploring the state with their club, The Saddle Bags and Bums. She was an officer and longstanding member of the Philanthropic and Education Organization (PEO) and was a member of the North Texas Antique Tractor and Engine Club, a club that Betz loved because of the camaraderie she shared with its membership. Along with her church activities, Betz was involved in numerous other local, civic activities that reflected her love for her community and the countless friends she made and lives she touched. She was preceded in death by her husband of 64 years, D.D. McGee of Forney, her parents, William Henry Beazley and Queenie Vee Beazley of Waco, sister Mary Ross Shearin of Dallas, brother William Henry Beazley Jr. of Waco, and beloved cousin Mary Howell of Waco. She is survived by her brother Bob Beazley and his wife Nina, and her beloved sister-in-law Mary Imle of Jupiter, Florida. She is survived by her sons: David McGee and wife, Pam, of Forney, Daniel (Dusty) McGee and wife, Annie, of Cocoa Beach, Florida, Donald McGee and wife, Sherri, of Petal, Mississippi, and Dean McGee of Forney; grandchildren: Dana Sneed of Forney, Danielle Southard of Able Springs, Darian McGee of Petal, Mississippi, Taryn McGee of Petal, Mississippi, and Ashley Muchenberger of Petal, Mississippi; great grandchildren: Tori, Baylee, Rylee, and Jaymi Sneed, Kynsli, Brynli, and Tony Southard, and Megan Turner; great-great grandchildren: Harlo Southard and Caiden Hall. She also leaves behind scores of nieces and nephews and other members of an extended and ever-growing family arising from her parents, her three siblings, and her-each of which now comprise 6 (7…?) generations that will strongly continue into future generations along with so many friends and acquaintances whose lives have touched and interacted with hers and will forever surround her with love. Funeral service will be 10:00 a.m. Friday August 2, 2024 at the First Baptist Church Forney in the Forum with interment following at Hillcrest Cemetery. Family will receive friends 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. Thursday August 1, 2024 in the Chapel.

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Betty Jo "Betz" McGee

March 15, 1934 - July 23, 2024