Betty Joy Sloan

Betty Joy Kornegay Sloan, 93, of Southlake, Texas, passed away peacefully on December 14, 2025, just shy of her 94th birthday. Born in Hamilton, Texas, Betty lived a life overflowing with love, laughter, and an unwavering devotion to her family.

Betty married her childhood sweetheart, Ray Keith Sloan, on May 31, 1951, beginning a beautiful 74-year partnership that ended only with Ray's passing in January 2025. Together, they built a life centered on family, faith, and the simple joys of being together. Betty supported Ray as he graduated from Texas A&M University, establishing a family legacy that would see many of their children and grandchildren become Aggies themselves.

Betty's greatest pride was always her family. She was the warm, generous heart of the Sloan family—the kind of woman who would give you the shirt off her back and talk your ear off with stories about growing up in Hamilton or tales about her beloved children and grandchildren. Everyone who knew her has a story about "Grandma" or "Honey," as she was lovingly called.

After many years in Grand Prairie, Texas, Betty and Ray moved to Southlake to be closer to their grandchildren, whom she adored keeping and caring for. She could often be found at her kitchen table talking with Ray and watching the animals and horses outside her window, always ready for someone to come through the door and visit awhile. Honey's house was a haven for her family—her grandchildren can recount countless sleepovers and hours spent hearing her stories over glass after glass of sweet tea, the pantry always stocked with every snack imaginable. She would hug you extra hard when you left, make you promise to come see her soon, and inevitably sneak a $20 bill into your pocket. Her cards, always signed "Love you bunches" in her beautiful penmanship, were treasures.

Betty's passion for family extended to creating magic in everyday moments—her legendary chicken fried steak, Thanksgiving dressing, bacon sandwiches, tuna fish sandwiches, and milkshakes were made with love. She had a green thumb that made her garden flourish, and Christmas at Betty's house was unforgettable, with decorations that went spectacularly over the top because that's how much she loved the season and her family.

Betty loved being in the middle of things, always involved in her family's lives, sharing in their joys and supporting them through challenges. She was a storyteller, a listener, and the glue that held generations together.

Betty is survived by her three daughters: Debra Lynn Sewell (spouse Deryl Sewell), Cathy Ann Patterson (spouse Jim Patterson), and Tracy Lee Miller (spouse Kris Miller); eleven grandchildren: Amy Taylor (spouse Chance Taylor, children Ada and Cora), Cara Hubbell (spouse Scott Hubbell, children Brayden and Deacon), Matt Channels (spouse Ashley Channels, child Luka), Stephen Williamson (spouse Lexi Williamson), Bradley Williamson, Abby Evans (spouse Robert Evans, child Julia), Hope Miller, Austin Williamson, Macy Miller, Carmel Denholm (spouse Liam Denholm), and Sloan Miller; and six great-grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Ray Keith Sloan, as well as her parents and three siblings. It was no doubt a glorious reunion when they were all reunited, and Betty Joy surely had lots to catch them up on.

A celebration of Betty's life will be held on Friday at 2:00 PM at Lucas Funeral Home in Grapevine, Texas, with visitation beginning at 1:00 PM. She will be laid to rest in Grapevine, Texas, next to Ray, reunited with her true love.

Betty's warmth, generosity, and unconditional love will be deeply missed by all who knew her. Her legacy lives on in the hearts of her family and in the countless memories of porch talks, home-cooked meals, and a home that was always filled with love.