Betty Jean Garrett Napier, 1934-2021

Betty Jean Garrett Napier, loving and devoted wife, mother and grandmother, passed away in Tyler on Friday, Jan. 15, 2021, at age 86. 

Betty was born in Memphis, Mo. on June 9, 1934 to Earl and Bertha Garrett and was the youngest of four siblings. In December 1956 she married the love of her life, Richard Alvin Napier, in Ottumwa, Iowa.  After their marriage Betty and Richard resided in Iowa City, Iowa where Richard was attending the University of Iowa and Betty worked as a registered nurse at the University of Iowa Hospital. 

Betty and Richard moved to Dallas with their two sons, Brent and Tim, in 1964. In Dallas, Betty continued to work as a registered nurse for many years. Betty and Richard lived in Dallas and Richardson until moving to Mineola in 1990 for a long and happy retirement. 

In Mineola, Betty was an active member of the community, particularly as a member of the Mineola League of the Arts (MLOTA). Betty served in several positions on the executive board for the MLOTA and as the coordinator for the Quilting Guild which included organizing the annual MLOTA Quilt Show. Betty was an avid quilter and won several awards for her quilting. Through the MLOTA Betty also made some of her dearest friends, whom she traveled to quilt shows with and had weekly luncheons and games of mah-jong. 

Betty loved traveling with her beloved husband Richard. Together they spent time in Germany and California for Richard’s work. In retirement they went on lots of ocean cruises throughout Europe, Latin America and South America. Betty also loved sports, particularly her Dallas Mavericks.

Betty was predeceased by her parents, siblings, daughter-in-law, Becky Napier, and grandson, Richard Wayne Napier who passed away from cystic fibrosis.  She is survived by her husband, Richard Napier; her son, Brent Napier and his wife Julia; her son, Tim Napier; and her grandchildren, Sarah and Garrett Napier. Betty was diagnosed with cancer in late 2020, and while we thought we had much more time, her family is thankful for the 86 wonderful years they had.