Georgia Nell (G'Nell) Russell Betts

Weslaco- Georgia Nell (G’Nell) Russell Betts was born February 22, 2014 near Kilgore, TX to Robert F. and Mamie Peterson Russell. Later she moved with her parents to Henderson, TX where she attended school, graduating from Henderson High School in 1938. She graduated from Baylor University in 1942 with a B.A. degree in Home Economics and Elementary Education. She taught school in Robstown and Henderson before marrying her college sweetheart, M.K. Betts, in 1946.
After marriage, they lived in Guatemala City, Guatemala and Panama City, Panama before returning to Weslaco in October 1947. G’Nell taught school at Stephen F. Austin Elementary in Weslaco, Progreso Middle School and Taylor Elementary in Mercedes. She retired in 1981 after teaching for 36 years.
She was a member of First Baptist Church of Weslaco, where she taught Sunday school many years. She was also a member of W.M.U., she served on the sanctuary flower committee and the memorials notification committee. G’Nell was also a member of Delta Kappa Gamma Honorary Teacher’s Organization, Retired Teacher’s Organization of Texas, Beta Sigma Phi, Literary Review Club and P.E.O. Chapter B.W. She was an active member of Knapp Hospital Auxiliary having accumulated over 5500 hours of service.
She is preceded in death by her parents; a brother, Neal Russell; and 4 sisters, Mary Russell Davidson, Margaret Russell; Evelyn Russell Lindberg and Robbie Dell Russell.
She is survived by her husband, M.K. Betts; a son, Ronald Dean (Delorie) Betts; 2 grandsons, Ryan and Kevin Betts, all of Houston; 2 nieces, Margaret Lindsey (James) Rodgers of Lake George, Colorado and Janelle Lindsey (Joe) Lindley of Castle Rock, Colorado.
Visitation will be held on Monday, February 24, 2014 from 5:00 pm to 8:00 pm at McCaleb Funeral Home in Weslaco. Graveside services will be held on Tuesday, February 25, 2014 at 11:00 am at Highland Memorial Park in Weslaco. Officiating the service will be the Rev. Dr. Steven Parker, Pastor of First Baptist Church of Weslaco.
Arrangements are under the direction of McCaleb Funeral Home of Weslaco.