Betty Brown Plyler

Betty Brown Plyler passed away on May 27, 2017. She was born on September 5, 1926, in Hubbard, Texas to Elbert Holland Brown and Leska Cates Brown. Her parents, her brother, James Elbert Brown, and her beloved husband of 70 years, Jim Plyler, preceded her in death. She is survived by daughter Ann and husband Thomas Poore; son John and wife Suzanne Plyler; grandchildren James, Anthony and wife Linda, and Liliana Plyler; brother, Keith Brown; nieces, nephews, and extended family members. She earned her Bachelor’s degree from the University of Texas at Austin, and her Master’s degree from Stephen F. Austin State College. She married Jim Plyler in 1946 and taught in the cities in which he coached: Austin, Kerrville and Lufkin. In Tyler she taught at Ramey, Bonner, Bell, and Clarkson elementary schools. When her husband was named Superintendent of TISD, she left her teaching position to return to college to become certified in counseling. She then became an academic advisor at Tyler Junior College. As a member of First Presbyterian Church in Tyler, she served as an Elder, a Deacon, a Sunday school teacher, a Circle Moderator, and a member of many working committees. She shared her enthusiasm for learning as a member of the American Association of University Women, the Smith County Retired Teachers and School Personnel Association, and the Littera Book Club. Because they believed in the importance of giving back to a community that had been so welcoming to them, Betty and her husband Jim volunteered in Tyler at the East Texas Food Bank, Meals on Wheels, the Salvation Army, Mother Francis Hospital, East Texas Medical Center, and at the First Presbyterian Church. Private burial will be under the direction of Stewart Family Funeral Home. Visitation will be held on Friday evening, June 2, from 5:30-7:30 at Stewart Family Funeral Home, 7525 Old Jacksonville Highway, Tyler, Texas. A Memorial Service will be held on Saturday, June 3, at 10:30am at First Presbyterian Church, 230 W. Rusk St., Tyler, Texas. The family will greet friends at the church immediately after the service. Memorials may be made to First Presbyterian Church, The Tyler ISD Foundation at 807 W. Glenwood, Tyler, TX 75701, or the charity of your choice.

Betty Brown Plyler

September 5, 1926 - May 27, 2017