Betty Joe (Garland) Dery

2019 in the care of Vitas Hospice of San Antonio, at the age of 83. She received her well

deserved angelic wings after living a long fulfilling life.

Betty was born on May 11, 1936 in Russellville, Arkansas into the adoring arms of her

parents, Perry and Lillian Garland, both deceased. She grew up with her older sister Doris

(Ole). She met Raymond Dery (deceased) at Ft. Hood Texas and soon married, in 1970.

Together they raised her four children; Thomas, Perry, Robert, and Stacy.

Beloved wife, mother, grandmother, great grand-mother, sister and aunt, Betty is survived

by her four grateful children, Tommy Wood (Maria), Perry Wood (Deann), Robert Wood

(Kathleen) and Stacy Wood (Donna); Betty’s grandchildren, Derek (Kathleen), Ryan,

Brittany (Ernesto), Victoria, Matthew, Alexis and Lauren; Betty’s great-grandchildren are

Emerson, Ethan and Maxwell; nephew, Todd Burton (Claire), cousin-in-law, Sara Bradford

Bales (Bill), brother-in-law, Andy Dery (Sue).

After moving to San Antonio in the early 70’s, Betty worked as a Civilian at Randolph Air

Force Base in the Budget Affairs Division. She was very active and had many hobbies. She

enjoyed exercising her mind by doing a variety of challenging crossword and jigsaw

puzzles. She was a shrewd bridge player and experienced much joy playing with her many

friends. Betty also enjoyed attending movies, the theatre and travel, as her health allowed.

Betty considered her furry animal friends close family and spent most of her life raising and

loving Dachshunds (Flug, Flugettes Delight (Deli), J.R., Lucy, Willis, Ray) and Shar Peis

(Sebastian, Shogi, Megan, Martini & Rossi, Cheech & Chong).

Betty was fortunate to discover her purpose in life at a young age. Betty was an overcomer

and motherhood was her driving force, despite many obstacles. Her sacrifice is worthy of

sainthood and will always be remembered by her loved ones. Betty found comfort in the

23rd Psalm and Ecclesiastes 3, and favored traditional hymns like Amazing Grace and In

the Garden.

A casual “Celebration of Life” gathering will be held in the Grand Room at Trinity Baptist

Church, 319 E Mulberry Ave, San Antonio, TX 78212 on Saturday, November 2, 2019, at

5:00 p.m. Look for parking behind church off Shook Ave. Entrance to The Grand Room is

on the corner, through the Portico.

In lieu of flowers, contributions in her memory may be made to the Amercan Cancer Society or to a charity of your choice.