Betty Jane Wheat, a longtime resident of Beaumont, peacefully passed away on Monday, December 15, 2008.
Born to “Jem” and Marion Coale on September 12, 1926, Betty graduated from Beaumont High School in 1943 and attended Texas State College for Women in Denton, Texas where she majored in Art. Betty and her husband, Jack R. Wheat, were married for fifty-eight years.
She is survived by her husband, Jack; sister, Janelle Frusha of Conroe; children, Stacey Bratton of Sour Lake, Hilary Amacker and husband Clayton of Austin, Lee Wheat, III and wife Susan of Houston, and Matt Wheat and wife Amy of San Antonio; grandchildren, Elizabeth Wheat, Ronald Bratton, Jr., Clayton Amacker, III, Catherine Amacker, Kara Wheat, Paige Wheat Baker, Mattie Wheat, Avery Wheat, Kate Acuna; and six great-grandchildren.
Betty Jane was an accomplished bridge player and achieved the recognition of Life Master. She could often be found playing or teaching bridge at the Beaumont Bridge History Studio. Her families, the Pattons, Coales, and the Wheats, share a long history in Beaumont, and she loved the Beaumont area. Betty worked several years for the Beaumont Chamber of Commerce in the Visitors Center. Her knowledge of Beaumont’s history made her an excellent hostess and docent for the community. Betty was also a voracious reader her entire life. In more recent years, she enjoyed spending time with her family enjoying the holidays, camping trips, and making memories as wife, mother, and grandmother that will last a lifetime. She will be missed dearly.
Memorial service will be 11:30 a.m., Thursday, December 18, 2008, at Broussard’s, 2000 McFaddin, Beaumont. A gathering of family and friends will begin at 10:00 a.m., Thursday, December 18 at the Mortuary.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the charity of your choice.
