Betty Jane Griggs Blackstone

Betty Jane Griggs Blackstone was born to Vina Viola Montgomery Griggs and John Henry Griggs II on October 28th, 1934 in Florence Texas. While attending school in Florence, Betty played volleyball, basketball, softball, and was a cheerleader. She was the Class Reporter her Senior year and was also honored as the Florence FFA ¨Sweetheart of the Year.” After graduating from high school in 1952, Betty attended Abilene Christian University.

Betty returned to Austin and was employed by the Austin National Bank for 10 years. It was at this bank that she caught the eye of her future husband, William Thomas (Tom) Blackstone. They were married at the first Presbyterian Church in Austin and were married for 68 years. Betty was also employed for 6 years in the Texas Governor’s Office in the section known as the Office of Economic Opportunity.

During this time, Betty and Tom had two children: Thomas Alan and Pamela Gail. They had close relationships with both sides of the family and were active members of the Delwood Northeast Optimist Club. Each served a term as president of the Optimist and Optimisses clubs.

Tom was offered a job with Ken Davis company and the family moved briefly to Moore, Oklahoma and then to Arlington, Texas. Betty was employed by the University of Texas at Arlington for 31 years in the Facilities Department, known at the time as the Physical Plant.

Betty is preceded in death by her husband, Tom Blackstone, her mother Vina Montgomery Griggs, her father John Henry Griggs II, and her brother John H Griggs III. Along with many loving family members, Betty is survived by her children: Tab Blackstone and his wife Stacy, Pam Alenik and her husband Jeff. Betty and Tom have four grandchildren: Ursula Walker, AJ Alenik, Austin Blackstone, and Tyler Blackstone. They have one great grandchild, Faith Schmidt.