Betty Gene Brewer Pool

Betty was born April 23, 1932, in Amarillo, Texas, to Irene Brewer Smith. When she was 18 months old, she went to live, as a foster child, with her uncle and aunt, Clint and Beatrice Brewer, and their three children, Dollie Dee, Charmaine, and James Clifford (Doc). The family lived in Dalhart, Texas, where Betty grew up and graduated from Dalhart High School in 1951.

A move took Betty to Dumas, where she worked for Connell Stationery, which was next door to Woody Furniture Company, where J. D. Pool was working. They worked the same hours, parked their vehicles side by side, spoke, and went their separate ways. J. D. would not ask Betty for a date because they had not been properly introduced; however, he had a sister-in-law who knew the Brewer family. So, she, with Charmaine, undertook the job of getting the two together. Seven months later, they were married on September 14, 1952, and celebrated 48 wonderful years together. They were the proud parents of two daughters, Melanie and Kriste, both born and raised in Dumas, as was their Dad.

A bookkeeper for most of her life, she worked ten years for George and Howard Diedrichsen, who started the first commercial cattle feeding operation north of the Canadian River, Dumas Cattle Feeders. She retired from Coastal Oil and Gas Company, a subsidiary of Coastal Corporation. Both Betty and J. D. retired on May 1, 1994.

Betty was a born-again Christian. Through her faith, God answered her prayers, showered her with blessings, and provided miracles abundantly, even placing her so she would meet her husband. First Baptist Church, Dumas, was the treasure for her spiritual growth. She was a member for 46 years and was active in many areas of church life. Over the years at Dumas FBC, she worked in Vacation Bible School, GA's, taught S.S. in the 1, 4, and 6 grades, a Young Married Ladies class, was a Director in the Senior Adult 1 Department. She served as a Sunday School General Officer, chaired the Hospitality Committee, and together they served as chairmen on the Lord's Supper Committee.

Betty was a strong-willed, independent lady. She deeply loved her family and would do anything to help someone in need. She was a caregiver to many in her family, especially her husband. Relationships were at the heart of Betty's life. She was blessed with long-time friendships of classmates, many younger friends, friends gathered over the years, and family cousins who provided lifelong friendship and support. She loved them all!

After the death of her husband, Betty moved to Amarillo. At the age of 70, she went back into the workplace and worked several years at Life Way Christian Book Stores, which was a joy for her. While in Amarillo, she became a member of Coulter Road Baptist Church. In 2007, she moved to Clifton, Texas, to be near her sister, Charmaine, and was a member of Clifton F.B.C. In 2011, she joined her daughters by moving to Keller and her membership to Keller F.B.C. With the moves and church memberships, she was blessed with great friendships.

Betty enjoyed strip quilting and made some beautiful quilts for her family. She enjoyed bridge, music, reading, and visiting with friends. Throughout her life, she was busy with volunteer activities. She was honored as a Life Member of Beta Sigma Phi International Sorority.

Betty was preceded in death by her husband J. D., her foster parents Clint and Babe Brewer, foster siblings Dollie Dee Spencer Bain, Charmaine Peden, Major James C. Brewer (USAF Ret), nephew Bobby Spencer, and mother Irene Brewer Kenney.

Betty is survived by two daughters, Melanie Pool Mullens, Colleyville; Kriste Pool Frederick, husband Gary, North Richland Hills. Two granddaughters, Meredith Mullens Muerer, husband Christopher, San Marcos; Kristen Mullens Khazzoum, husband Nick, Houston. Two grandsons, Matt Frederick, Ft. Worth; Kyle Frederick, Dallas. Six great-grandchildren, Tye, Jett and Ford Frederick and Reid Pierce and Molly Khazzoum. A nephew, nieces, large extended family of cousins, and a host of friends.