Betty Vonne Key

Betty Vonne (Woods) Key was born February 19, 1928 in Kirbyville, Texas to a mother who died in childbirth. Betty was raised by her grandfather Poppa, her dad Willie and step-mom Lois Woods, and her Aunt Vaudia and Uncle Red Peel. Betty spent a significant portion of her life lovingly living with and caring for the Peels, and loved their son Jerry throughout his life.

After WWII Betty met the love of her life, Don, at a military parade in Port Arthur. These lovebirds had to wait until two days after Betty turned 20 to marry on February 21, 1948. Their married life of 69 years together centered around Jesus, unbreakable love and respect for each other, raising their two daughters Karla and Donna, and loving their grandson Nathan.

When "Miss Betty" was not teaching her children she was serving at First Baptist Church Groves. For 60 years, she taught Sunday School and VBS, sang in the choir, spent untold hours "just visiting", baking, playing cards, and supporting the church's core mission in all ways at all times. Betty was known as a "hostess with the moistest", always cooking and welcoming friends and family. When they moved to Katy in 2009, they joined Kingsland Baptist Church, where daughter Donna and her husband Harry attended. Faithful to the end, Betty tithed 10% of her social security check each month - but still had enough money to eat at Chick-Fil-A as often as she could and make friends at each store in the process.

Betty's array of skills were on full display as she loved her only grandchild, Nathan, from his birth until her last days. Betty was a dedicated, devoted, loving, attentive, and comforting grandmother who never failed to bake Nathan's favorite cake for each visit and attended his countless baseball fames from age 5 onward. When he started dating and later married Sarah, she added a grandchild to her love circle. Betty was captured joyfully doing the chicken dance at their 2020 wedding and the video will be played at her memorial service. Betty was afflicted with Alzheimer's very late in life. After she was diagnosed, she transitioned to a memory care facility where she could get professional help. In August, Betty was afflicted with a variety of medical issues. Unfortunately, her earthly body was not able to overcome these conditions, and Betty passed away peacefully on Thursday morning, September 9, 2021. Her healing and comfort were greatly aided by Dr. Roger Campana, Kerrie Gabourie, and Jo Wood, for whom her entire family is very grateful and whose devotion and kindness over the last few years will never be forgotten.

Betty is survived by her daughter Karla Jones, daughter Donna Herzog and husband Harry, grandson Nathan Herzog and wife Sarah, Jerry Peel and wife Debbie, sisters Lou Morgan and Wanda Dodson, and cousins, nieces and nephews - all of whom she adored.

Services will be held in Katy, Texas at Kingsland Baptist Church (20555 Kingsland Blvd, 77450) this Sunday, September 12, at 2 o'clock, followed by a reception. This service will be broadcast live at kingsland.org/live (central campus). An additional service will be held at her graveside on Thursday, September 16, at 11 o'clock at Memory Gardens Cemetery (3098 Highway 69N, Nederland 77627) where Betty will be laid to rest with her husband Don.