"Joy, we were saddened to learn that your sweet mom has passed. She was such a joy to know. She will live on in our hearts. Very best wishes. Cheryl and David"
In loving memory of
Bette Marguerite Morgan
January 11, 1919 - June 6, 2017
On Tuesday, June 6, 2017, with her daughter by her side, Bette Marguerite Jensen Morgan went to be with the Lord at age 98 in Austin, Texas. She was a devoted wife to husband Everett Eugene Morgan, Jr. for 47 years and adoring mother to daughter Joy Linnea Morgan. She was born in Cherokee, Iowa on January 11, 1919, the first of four children, to Lars Christian Jensen and Lena Jespersen Jensen. Both her parents families were from Denmark, thereby making her a Dane through and through.
Bette was predeceased by her parents, husband, sister Janet and Gary Michener, brothers Guy Jensen and Vernon Jensen, and sisters-in-law Venola Schmidt and Laverta Foster. She is survived by her daughter Joy Linnea Morgan, brother-in-law Jack E. Foster, sister-in-law Janet Jensen, and cousin Mary Hansen. Nieces and nephews: Sandy Pollard and Ramsey Wiggins, Kurt and Denise Schmidt, Linda Foster, Tommy and Donna Foster, Jackie Foster, Sandy and George Allen, Jackie and Bill Ross, Julie and Mark Loehner, Jill Jensen, Ann and Jay Hardy, and Kim and Mo Emami, and former son-in-law Dennis Vaughn. She will be missed by her many friends who cherished her positive spirit and charm. She was also a great aunt and great-great aunt to many.
Bette Morgan could truly be described as a woman who could do it all. She found work during the Depression so she could have enough money to finish high school and completed a year early. She wanted to be able to support herself, something to which few young women aspired. Bette worked as a maid and saved her money for nurses training at St. Joseph College of Nursing in Sioux City, Iowa, continuing to be an independent woman. She received her gold pin and nurses hat in 1945 which she wore every day at work as she was so proud of what they represented.
She went on to work in doctor offices as well as a variety of hospitals, retiring in 1980 from Brackenridge Hospital. She worked in every unit but her favorite was always as Charge Nurse on night shift in Labor and Delivery. Delivering babies was her love, and the day she retired she brought a baby into the world 20 minutes before the end of her last shift.
Bette and her husband had always volunteered on behalf of political candidates and was grateful to have met many prominent politicians including Eleanor Roosevelt, Representative Lloyd Doggett, Former Texas Governor Ann Richards, Vice-President Hubert Humphrey, and President John F. Kennedy. But that was not her only interest. She enjoyed doing handwork, crossword puzzles, and reading. Bette baked dozens of cookies and cakes weekly for the Old Bakery and Emporium where she also served on the Board, she volunteered at the Ladybird Johnson Wildflower Research Center, she was a member of the Red Hat Society, she volunteered for over 20,000 hours for AARP, she was a member of the Mature Manchacers at Manchaca United Methodist Church, she was a emeber of the local Hallmark Forget-MeNot Collector's Club and with her daughter hosted a Christmas Open House for 20 years.
A word of heart-felt thanks to her friends at Senior Care at West Oaks and to New Century Hospice for all the care, love, and affection bestowed upon Bette and her family.
The Memorial Service will be held on SATURDAY, JULY 8 AT 9:30 AM AT RESTLAND CEMETERY, 13005 GREENVILLE AVENUE, DALLAS, TEXAS 75243, IN THE ABBEY SANCTUARY. INTERMENT WITH A SHORT GRAVESIDE SERVICE WILL IMMEDIATELY FOLLOW.
Please sign the online guest book and leave a condolence to the Morgan family at www.harrellfuneralhomes.com. In lieu of flowers you may make a contribution to the Multiple Sclerosis Society.
Tributes
"I Loved your mother so much I enjoyed taking care of her and making cheese cake for the Christmas Party she was an amazing person love you and take care of you"
"Joy, your mom was kind, thinking, and did more living in her life than many of us do. You had a love for each other that was obvious and real, and which made me feel like all was well with the world when I was in your company. Thanks to you both. My very best to you."
"Joy, I am sorry to hear of Bette's passing. I didn't know her well, but enjoyed the times I spent visiting with her at the Christmas parties and at other events. She was kind and generous and fun to talk to. She was a unique individual and will be missed. Betty McCreary"
"Joy, my prayers are with you over the loss of your mother. I worked with Bette for over sixteen years. She was not only my head nurse, she was my friend. Bette had a great love for cooking and crafting. I still display and use many of the gifts she gave me. I remember the wonderful Christmas parties she had for her coworkers. The fun times will not be forgotten. Bette will be missed. With much love, Nickie."
"Joy, our love and heartfelt condolences are extended to you at the time. We know how much your mother meant to you! She was a wonderful and spirited woman who gave so much of herself to others. Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family. Dan & Vickie Bauerle"