Betty Jane Todd Duff

Betty Jane Todd Duff, 86, of Houston, Texas, passed away peacefully on Saturday, October 18, 2014. Betty was born October 25, 1927, in Roanoke, Virginia, to Charles Jefferson Todd and Rena Sue Kidd Todd. She is preceded in death by her husband, Samuel Lewis Duff, son-in-law, Thomas William Stephens, and grandson, Daniel Vincent Duff-O’Bryan. She is survived by her children, Samuel Lewis Duff, Jr., Sue Carroll Duff, Charles Todd Duff and his wife, Celia, Joseph William Duff and his wife, Melissa, as well as her six grandchildren, Stephanie, Jessica, Chad, Emily, Laura, and Alexia. Betty grew up in Bristol, Virginia, and graduated from The University of Tennessee, where she received a bachelor’s degree in chemistry. After returning to her hometown in Virginia to serve as a school teacher, she met her husband, Sam, and they married in March of 1951. They lived in several places before moving and settling in Houston in the summer of 1962, where they raised their four children and became lifetime residents. Betty worked as a chemistry teacher at Spring Woods High School, and later worked at St. Paul’s Methodist Church and Lakewood United Methodist Church. Betty was blessed with an inquisitive mind; she was an avid reader and filled her life with intellectual pursuits. Having a deep interest in theology, Betty became a diaconal minister in the Methodist Church. Betty was a long time member of Memorial Drive United Methodist Church, and she found great joy in volunteering as a bible study leader and also as a member of the Stephen Ministry. She and Sam enjoyed their retirement and traveled to various parts of the world. Betty was a loving wife, mother and loyal friend. She will be greatly missed by all of her family and friends. A memorial service to honor and celebrate Betty’s life will be held Friday, October 24, 2014, at 11:00 am at Memorial Drive United Methodist Church, 12955 Memorial Drive, Houston, Texas, 77079, with Reverend James H. McPhail officiating. A reception will follow the service at the church. In lieu to customary remembrances, please consider memorial contributions to The Children’s Ministries of Memorial Drive United Methodist Church. Visit www.DettlingFuneral.com to leave online tributes.

Betty Jane Todd Duff

October 25, 1927 - October 18, 2014