Betty Paschal

Betty Jean Merritt Paschal of Bishop, Texas, passed away at the age of 93 on November 21, 2022.

Her birth certificate lists Hunt, Texas as her birth place however, she actually saw the light of day in a ranch house on the banks of the Guadalupe River in Hunt, Tx.- instilling in her a lifetime love of the Texas Hill Country.

She was born to Raymond and Lillian Merrit on December 17,1928. Sadly her father passed away in a carbine tank explosion on the ranch where he was working. He was 35 yeas of age and Betty only 2. Her mother then took her and her older sister Ora Lee to live with her parents in Uvalde. Texas. There her mother remarried and the only father she ever knew, Joe T. Baxter, came into her life. A new baby sister Mary Jane, would soon complete their family.

She moved with her family to Ingleside, Texas in 1936. Graduating a year early from High School as Salutatorian(1946). Betty remained close to many friends from her youth throughout her long life.

She disappointed many of her high school teachers by accepting a job that was offered “out of the blue” with Sun Pipe Line Company, opting to defer her plans to attend college. She followed the job to Corpus Christi and attended Draughon’s Business School at night. Working for Sun Oil for 8 years and promoting from entry clerk to Office Manager.

Betty met her future husband, Ralph Paschal, in 1953. A dashing young man and WW2 veteran and successful area farmer. Married in 1954, she settled into life in the Bishop farming community. They were blessed with three children Tony, Randy and Shelley.

Her love of people and community led her to re enter the workforce in 1978 as manager of the Bishop Chamber of Commerce. While she was involved in many activities and projects, two remained memorable in her life. The first event was the Bishop Diamond Jubilee in 1985 and the second event was the Bishop Centennial Celebration. Betty loved her community and worked tirelessly throughout the years to better her small hometown.

She was an active member of First Baptist Church in Bishop, for many years, active in the Carita Class at First Baptist Church in Corpus, a Life Long Member of Harden Study Club, was active with the American Cancer Society and American Heart association and was a member of the Daughters of the American Revolution.

Preceding her in death were her parents, sisters, husband, Ralph Russell Paschal, son Randall Merritt Paschal.

She is survived by her son, Ralph Anthony Paschal of Corpus Christi; her daughter, Shelley Paschal Greaney(Donald) of Corpus Christi; and grandchildren, Merredith Paschal and Spencer Laporte as well as nieces and nephews.

A graveside service will be observed at Bishop’s Restland Cemetery on Monday November 28 at 11:00am with Rev. Clif Abshier officiating.

In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to the First Baptist Church in Bishop or to the Bishop Cemetery Association-P.O. Box 142 Bishop, Texas 78343.

Arrangements are entrusted to Sawyer George Funeral Home 14297 Leopard St. Corpus Christi TX. 78410.