Betty Joyce Upton
June 21, 1932 — May 20, 2017
Betty Joyce Upton, age 84, passed away peacefully at her home on May 20, 2017. She was born June 21, 1932, in Bruni, Texas to John and Elizabeth McMurtrey.
After completing her education in Ft. Worth, Texas, Betty returned to Beeville, Texas to work with Southwestern Bell. It is there she met the love of her life on a blind date and married Edward Mead Upton on April 14, 1952.
Betty spent the next 34 years in Refugio, Texas, raising their two sons. She was actively involved in organizations at Our Lady of Refuge Catholic Church, Boy Scouts of America, and quick to lend a hand to anyone in need.
Betty and Mead retired to the piney woods of East Texas, where they continued their favorite pastimes of traveling, camping, and fishing!
She was preceded in death by her parents, sisters Dorothy McMurtrey and Johnnie Vanarsdol, husband, Edward Mead Upton, and son Edward Mead Upton Jr.
She is survived by son Joseph Blane (Susan) Upton, Daughter-in-law Linda Upton, granddaughters Megan (Eric) Moses, Maranda Upton, Hannah Upton, great-granddaughter Madison Upton as well as several nieces and nephews.
Visitation will be held Tuesday, May 23, 2017, from 4:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. followed by recitation of the Holy Rosary at 6:00 p.m. at the San Benito Funeral Home Chapel, 1400 West Highway 77, San Benito, Texas 78586.
A Memorial Mass will be held Wednesday, May 31, 2017, at 2:00 PM at Our Lady of Refuge Catholic Church, 1008 S Alamo St, Refugio, TX.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to Sunshine Haven, 7105 W. Lakeside Blvd., Olmito, TX 78575