Betty Lee James, 1928–2002

Betty Lee James, 92, passed away at home Wednesday morning, June 24 in Spur, TX. She was born in Girard, TX on March 23, 1928, to Bonnie Fincher Simpson and Joseph Ezekiel “Bill” Simpson. She was a typical farm girl who grew up working hard and learning strong values. Betty attended Girard schools, graduating from Girard High School in 1945. She played basketball and enjoyed time with friends and family. Later she would graduate from Draughon’s Business College in Lubbock.

Also in 1945, Betty met and married the love of her life, Billie Ray James, of Spur. She and Bill would go on to have two children and live in multiple states around the country because of Bill’s job transfers. With every move, Betty would willingly go and diligently work to make a nice home for her family. She could always be counted on to help others and to be kindhearted. Most of all, Betty loved her Lord Jesus, and then she was devoted to her family and friends. To the very end, she put the needs of others before her own. She was a member of First Baptist Church of Spur.

Left to cherish her memory are her husband, Bill, of Spur, with whom she would have celebrated 75 years of marriage in December; siblings Joe Simpson of Farmersville, Texas, and Jane Rankin of Fort Worth; children Bill James and wife, Billie, of Spur, and Carolyn Aylor and husband, Steven, of Longview, Texas; grandchildren Stacy James, Kimberly Sheedy, Billy James and wife, Rachel, Christopher Aylor and wife, Jessica, David Aylor and wife, Susan, Bryan Aylor and wife, Gina; great-grandchildren Kody Smith, Justin and Sierra Sheedy, Joseph Roberson, Cole James, Garrett and Jessie James, Mackenzie and Landon Aylor, Emery Aylor, and Evelyn Aylor. A special thanks to Nancy Vasquez and Pastor Mike Mitchel for their kindness and care during these past months

Preceding Betty in death were her parents, Bill and Bonnie Simpson; sisters Charlene Harvey and Emma Callihan; and great-granddaughter Eleanor Aylor.

Funeral services were held 2:00 p.m. Friday, June 26, 2020, at the First Baptist Church Spur, with Eric Swenson and Mike Mitchell officiating under the direction of Zapata Funeral Home. Interment followed at Spur Memorial Cemetery.