Dorthy Nelle Betts

Dorthy Nelle Upchurch Betts, 92, passed away on Wednesday, February 21, 2018 in Arlington. Memorial Service: 11:00 a.m. Monday, Feb. 26, at First United Methodist Church, 313 N. Center St., Arlington with Dr. Steve Langford officiating. Graveside Service: 9:30 a.m. Monday at Moore Memorial Gardens, Arlington prior to the service. Memorials: In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the First United Methodist Church of Arlington. Dorthy was born in Arlington, Texas on July 6, 1925 to Gola and Wesley Upchurch, a pioneer Arlington family. She was a life-long member of the First United Methodist Church of Arlington. Dorthy met the love of her life, Dexter Betts, in a sophomore English class at North Texas Agricultural College (now UTA). They were married on November 24, 1946. Dorthy received her undergraduate degree in education from Texas Wesleyan University, and her masters degree in education from North Texas State University where she later completed requirements for her supervisor and administrator certifications. Dorthy touched the lives of thousands of students and fellow educators during her career. She served as a sixth grade teacher at Speer, Swift and Hill Elementary, a consultant for AISD and as an elementary school principal at Roark and Wood in the Arlington Independent School District. She was one of the first female principals in Arlington. Dorthy was an honorary member of the Texas Congress of Parents and Teachers and was initiated into the Delta Kappa Gamma Society in 1970. She was preceded in death by her son, Gary Betts. Survivors: Husband of 76 years, Dexter Betts; daughter, Rev. Kay Lancaster and husband, Gary; grandchildren, Ryan Hiser and wife, Melody and great-grandsons, Ethan and Sam; Kristy Hiser and great-granddaughters, Korbyn and Kennedy; Matthew Betts and wife, Nicole; Amelia Betts and great-grandson, Ryder; and daughter-in-law, Janis Betts. Wade Family Funeral Home (817) 274-9233