Betty Lorene Baker Colburn

Betty Lorene Baker Colburn, 95, passed away peacefully on Saturday, September 7, 2024, in Tyler, Texas. She was born in Nacogdoches, Texas on July 16, 1929. She was the oldest of three daughters born to Ruth Burnaman Baker and James August Baker. Lorene graduated from Mount Pleasant High School in 1946 and was accepted to Stephen F. Austin University. She graduated in 1949 with a B.A. degree in business and a master’s degree in business education. While at SFA, she was voted SFA’s “Most Beautiful” and met the love of her life, Samuel Erven Colburn. They were married on July 1, 1950, in Houston, Texas and later moved to Carthage, Texas. In 2006 they moved to Tyler, Texas and celebrated 69 years of marriage. Lorene and her loving husband, Samuel, were members of Tyler’s Glenwood Church of Christ. Lorene was a devoted wife, mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother. She taught in the Texas school systems for over 30 years as a college professor and a high school accounting teacher. She was selected as Teacher of the Year several times and was also active in numerous organizations, including Alpha Delta Kappa, the Carthage Book Club and the Carthage Service League. She was also a member of the Daughters of the American Revolution and the Daughters of the Republic of Texas societies. She had a passion for history and a deep love for her country. She had a great sense of style and was a beautiful seamstress, always designing dresses to perfection for herself, her daughter, and her granddaughter. Most of all, she loved to cook and was always planning a holiday meal, dinner, or a special dessert for her family to enjoy even in her final days. Nothing gave her more joy than spending time with her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren. Lorene was preceded in death by her parents, sisters, Doris Baker Hanna of Plano and Mary Baker Kinsey of Pasadena, and her husband, Samuel Erven Colburn of Tyler. She is survived by her three children: son and daughter-in-law, Gary and Debora Colburn of Tomball; son, Chris Colburn of Houston; and daughter and son-in-law, Lisa and Jerry Jones of Tyler. Grandchildren: Dr. Lindsey Hunter-Ellul and husband, Paul Ellul of Austin; Lauren and husband, Michael Stoltz of Tyler; Blake and wife, Emma Jones of Midland; Kathryn and husband, Moutaz Muraywed of Houston; Christa and husband, Carlos Valdez of Houston; and nine great-grandchildren. The graveside service will be held at Rose Hill Cemetery in Tyler, Texas at 2:00 PM on Wednesday, September 11, 2024, with Dr. Doug Baker, Pastor of Marvin Methodist Church officiating. Services are under the direction of Stewart Family Funeral Home. Honorary Pallbearers are Chris Colburn, Gary Colburn, Jerry Jones, Blake Jones, Michael Stoltz, and Paul Ellul. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made in Lorene’s memory to the American Cancer Society and Hospice of East Texas.

Betty Lorene Baker Colburn

July 16, 1929 - September 7, 2024