COREATHERS

Betty Louise Coleman Coreathers, 61, of Columbus, passed away Jan. 14 in San Marcos. Betty was born Mar. 12, 1958 in Columbus to the late Hubert “Judge” and Bessie Coleman.

She was the youngest of five children.

While in school, Betty participated in many extracurricular activities.

After graduating from Columbus High School in 1976, she married Robert Coreathers July 31, 1976.

Betty went on to pursue a career in Early Childhood Development. Betty worked at St. Paul Lutheran Childcare until she became an entrepreneur, opening Mrs. Betty’s Big Babies in home childcare.

Ultimately, she branched out and opened It’s A Small World Daycare.

Betty had a unique gift; she had a special way of making everyone feel loved.

Betty loved children, and was affectionately known as “Mama Betty” to many.

Betty joined church at an early age. She participated in choir, BTU, and vacation bible school.

She was a faithful member of New Greater Smith Chapel Baptist Church.

Betty loved her church family, bible study, and Women’s Mission Ministry.

She was instrumental in Monday night bible study, Silhouette of Hope - which provided Thanksgiving dinners to seniors for years, and the Ladies Prayer Luncheon.

Betty will always be remembered for her leadership of the Riverside 4H. She served for 14 years, and all of the presidents under her leadership received the highest of honors, the Gold Star Award.

She was recognized by Texas Governor Rick Perry as Outstanding 4H Leader.

Betty was never one to boast about anything and gave freely.

She saw potential in every child.

Betty was preceded in death by her parents, sister and brother Shirley and John “Jimmy” Axel, sister Sally K. Williams Scott, mother and father-in-law Ella Marie and Dwight Coreathers, brothers-in-law Howard Lewis, J.C. Johnson and Herman Coreathers, chosen parents Lennardt and LaWanda Stolle, and chosen sisters Jeanne Miller and Lynn Templeton.

Betty will continue to live in the hearts of her husband, Robert G. Coreathers of Columbus; loving and devoted daughter Dana Coreathers Williams and husband Julius Williams of San Marcos; brother Clarence Bratcher and wife Eunice of Columbus; sister Barbara Waddle and husband Robert of Columbus; sisters-in-law Ruby Jewel Lewis of Houston, Gladys Johnson of Weimar and Jewel Coreathers of Weimar; chosen brothers-in-law Donnie Templeton of Columbus, Dan Conley and wife Brenda of Lufkin; chosen sister Joy Peck of Pflugerville; two loving grandsons who were the apples of her eye and thieves of her heart, Braxsten Williams and Brennyn Williams of San Marcos; Robert LaMonte (Kim) Waddle of DeSoto and Richanne Waddle of Austin, whom Betty loved and reared as her own; and a host a nieces, nephews, cousins, extended family and friends.

Funeral services were Saturday, Jan. 18 at New Greater Smith Chapel Baptist Church in Columbus with Rev. Joseph Hargrove officiating.

Burial is in Columbus City Cemetery.