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Bettye Jean McClain Branford was born on October 8, 1926 in San Antonio, Texas. She was the daughter of the late Sylvester McClain and Lula Holland. On August 27, 2020, at the age of 93, she peacefully departed this life surrounded by her devoted family.
At an early age, Bettye accepted Christ as her personal Lord and Savior and joined Mt. Zion First Baptist Church. She was baptized by the late Rev. D. Manning Jackson. She later joined Coliseum Park Baptist Church and remained a faithful member until her passing.
Bettye was a graduate of Phillis Wheatley High School, Class of 1944. She attended Durham Business College and after completion of her studies, she accepted a position at the Coca Cola Bottling Company. After 23 years of dedicated service she retired in 1991.
Bettye married Daniel M. Branford on December 4, 1951 and together were blessed with two sons and three daughters. After 34 years of marriage, Daniel departed this life for eternal rest on March 7, 1986.
Bettye loved people. She touched many with her kindness, generosity, and love. Bettye was especially dedicated to her children, grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and great-great grandchildren. As the Matriarch of four generations, her family admired her strength. She was a selfless caregiver and advocate for her family. She made it a point to be in attendance at milestone events and celebrations. Bettye maintained a close bond with her numerous nieces and nephews and shared precious memories with them.
As a child, Bettye taught herself to sew. She developed into an accomplished seamstress and loved making clothes for family and friends. Bettye is remembered for making her children’s clothing, designing prom dresses, and wedding dresses. Bettye was particularly fond of nature. She had a green thumb and could grow almost anything. She loved the outdoors and spent a great deal of time patiently tending to her plants.
During the early 1990’s, Bettye was an integral part of the annual National Night Out initiative. As a champion for non- violence, each year she hosted her neighbors and law enforcement on her lawn to raise awareness and generate support for anti-crime programs.
In addition to her parents, Bettye was preceded in death by three brothers, Clarence Holland, Arthur Holland, and Rueben McClain Sr.; two sisters, Ruth Newton and Dorothy Towns; son, David Branford; grandsons, Officer Taurean Branford and Earl Ray Thompson; great- granddaughter, Laila Joyce Branford; and beloved niece, Cheryl Towns.
To cherish her memory and carry on her legacy, she leaves her children Daniel Branford, Jr. (Barbara); Deborah Upson (Melvin); Dawn Branford Moore and Dina Branford. Twelve grandchildren, eighteen great-grandchildren, two great-great grandchildren, nieces, nephews, and a host of friends.
A joy to everyone she met, Bettye will be forever loved and deeply missed by all.
VISITATION: SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 13, 2020 1 :00 P.M.-6:00 P.M.
LEWIS FUNERAL HOME
811 S.W.W.WHITE RD.
SAN ANTONIO, TX
FUNERAL: MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 14, 2020 11:30 A.M
COLISEUM PARK BAPTIST CHURCH
101 HUB ST.
SAN ANTONIO, TX
INTERMENT: FORT SAM HOUSTON NATIONAL CEMETERY
1520 HARRY WURZBACH
SAN ANTONIO, TX 78209
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