Betty Dean

Richland Hills -- Betty Jean Dean, 78, went home to be with her Lord on Thursday, Dec. 20, 2012.

Memorial service: 1 p.m. Wednesday at Heritage Church of Christ. Interment: Mount Olivet of Fort Worth. Visitation: 8 to 5 p.m. Sunday and Monday at Lucas Funeral Home, 517 N. Sylvania Ave., Fort Worth.

Memorials: In lieu of flowers, should you wish to remember Betty, please make donations to the Union Gospel Mission of Tarrant County or to the Share the Joy Fund of Heritage Church of Christ in Keller.

Betty was born in Cedar Hill on Oct. 30, 1934, to William and Thelma Burlison. She was raised in Oak Cliff and moved to Riverside with her family when she was 10. She graduated from Amon Carter-Riverside High School. After graduation, she went on to attend Abilene Christian University. In 1946, when the Burlisons moved to Riverside, they became next-door neighbors to the Deans, who had a son named Bobby Dean. When Betty turned 16, Bob asked her out on a date, and it was love. Bob and Betty were engaged during her senior year in high school but due to Betty attending college, the engagement was called off. Life took Bob and Betty on different paths for the next decade. Eventually, they found their way back to each other and joined their families in marriage Feb. 14, 1969. Bob and Betty proceeded to build a life together, which included three children, five grandchildren and two great-grandchildren. Betty had a longtime fulfilling career as a bookkeeper. She helped start Fort Worth Christian in 1958 and kept its books for two years. She then went on to have several positions, including MJ Neeley and company, Kent's Nursing Home, Midtown Church of Christ and helped establish Heritage Church of Christ. Betty was very active in her church, a member of ladies' Bible class and enjoyed hosting many clusters in her home. Bob and Betty loved to travel and their adventures led them to Germany, England, Puerto Rico, Canada and Alaska.

She loved her family and friends more than anything in this world and was always willing to help others in any way possible. Betty enjoyed nothing more than spending time and sharing stories with family and friends. In addition, she loved to take family vacations all across the country, but some of her favorites were trips with her two daughters and granddaughters. Betty had a smile for everyone, was a great storyteller and always up for a good joke.

The family would like to thank the staff of Emerald Hills Rehabilitation and Healthcare center for the love and care they provided for the past months.

Betty was preceded in death by her parents, William and Thelma Burlison; and husband of 43 years and her one true love, Bob Dean of Fort Worth.

Survivors: Son, Sam Dean of Fort Worth; daughter, Annette Barrington of Richland Hills; daughter, Amy Cass and husband, Chris Cass, of Fort Worth; granddaughter, Christina Aydt of Dallas; granddaughter, Emily Borchardt and husband, Anthony Borchardt, of Alvarado; grandson, Brad Lindeman of Mesquite; granddaughter, Abigail Cass of Fort Worth; grandson, Aaron Cass of Fort Worth; two great-grandchildren; brother, Don Burlison and wife, Ginger Burlison, of Waco; and many nieces, nephews and cousins.