With heavy hearts, we bid farewell to a remarkable woman who touched the lives of all who knew her. Betty “Betsy” Lyle Williams, a long-time member of the Coldspring community, passed away on April 20, 2024. Betsy was born to parents Arthur Lyle St. Claire Jr. and Myrtle Elizabeth Lilley St. Claire on August 10, 1937, in Coldspring, Texas. After graduating high school, Betsy attended Lamar University in Beaumont and Sam Houston State University in Huntsville. On March 19, 1964, Betsy married Robert Bruce Williams, in Harris, Texas.
Initially, Betsy entered the workforce as a recruiter at M. David Lowe. Most notably, however, Betsy’s life was marked by a fulfilling career as the Head of HR for Murrey Rubber and Hydril. Later on, she worked as a Librarian for Coldspring Middle School.
Amidst her professional success, she always made time for what mattered most – her cherished family. Betsy was a dedicated wife, mother, and Memaw. Her legacy lives on in the hearts of all who were fortunate enough to know her, and she will be dearly missed.
She is preceded in death by her beloved husband of 32 years Robert B. Williams; her parents, Arthur Lyle St. Claire Jr. and Myrtle Elizabeth Lilley St. Claire; sister, Ann Nell Alexander; niece, Rebecca L. Alexander.
Betsy is survived by her daughters, Missy Parker and husband David Parker, Leigh Anne Connett and husband John Connett; grandchildren, Ryan Parker and wife Britta Parker, Regan Parker, and Jackson Connett; great-grandchildren, Grace Parker and Ella Parker; niece, Leslie Alexander.
A visitation for Betsy will be held from 5pm-8pm on Thursday, April 25th at Pace-Stancil Funeral Home in Cleveland, Texas. Betsy’s funeral service will be at 10:00 am on Friday, April 26th at the Pace-Stancil Chapel in Cleveland, Texas. The burial is to follow at Magnolia Cemetery in Cleveland, Texas.