Betty Buford

Dr. Betty I. Buford
August 2, 1928 – September 17, 2014

Dr. Betty I. Buford, of Waco, went peacefully to her heavenly home at the age of 86. Services will be held at 12 noon on Tuesday, Sept. 23. 2014, at New Road Church of Christ, 3100 S. New Road, Waco, Texas. Visitation will be Monday 6-7 p.m. at Oak Crest Funeral Home, 4520 Bosque Blvd., Waco, Texas. Burial will follow at May Cemetery, located between Brownwood and Rising Star, Texas.

Betty was the daughter of Altus L. “Tink” and Dixie Mae (Driskill) Buford, who preceded her in death. Also preceding Betty in death was her brother, Altus and niece, Betty Mae.
Betty was known for her kind-heart and her willingness to reach out to help those in need. Her kindness and caring extended far and wide. Betty loved her Lord and taught Bible classes for the young and later taught for the ladies of her church. She loved to sing the old hymns and especially enjoyed “singings” held at her church through out the years.

Dr. Buford traveled the world. She visited Cuba, Hawaii, Europe, and South America, as well as every state in the nation. She was a delegate to the World Confederation of Organizations of the Teaching Profession (WCOTP) in Sydney, Australia, 1970 and in Dublin, Ireland in 1968 representing Classroom Teachers of the U.S.

Dr. Buford began her career as a teacher of English and journalism at Electra High School, Electra, Texas, in 1948-1951. Then she moved to Plainview High School from 1951-1962, and taught Creative Writing and Photography along with English and Journalism. Following her teaching years at Plainview High School Betty was appointed as Director of Counseling and Guidance, 1962-1970. Throughout these years Betty touched the lives of students who kept in touch with her for many years. She was well known for her love of teaching young people. Betty also officiated high school volleyball games for many years.
Dr. Buford was a graduate of Abilene Christian College in 1948, then received her M.A. from the University of Colorado in 1952. She did postgraduate work at Texas Tech and received her Ph.D. from Texas A&M in 1973. She was a member of the State Board of Directors, Texas Classroom Teachers Association (TCTA) 1961-70; and elected as president of TCTA 1966-67. During these years of serving students and teachers, Betty traveled to every small and large school district in the state to encourage excellence in teaching and learning. Betty was a long-time member of the National Educators Association and served as president of the National Association of Classroom Teachers, headquartered in Washington, D.C., 1969-70.

Dr. Buford enjoyed teaching, counseling, encouraging, and motivating students, teachers, family and friends. She was a great listener and was able to help many turn their lives around as well as to seek more meaningful goals, tasks and life styles.
Following her work with the public schools and serving at the state and national levels, Dr. Buford returned to Texas and was employed by TAMU, 1970-73, where she taught as a full-time instructor in the Department of Education as a graduate student while she completed her Ph.D. in Educational Psychology/Educational Administration, 1973.
Betty served as the Director of the Office of Research & Evaluation for San Antonio ISD, 1973-74. In 1974 until retirement in 1987, Betty served as professor and Director of Psychology at Temple Jr. College.
In 1977-78, Dr. Buford was honored with a nomination by her peers at Temple Jr. College for the Minnie Piper Professor, an award for her performance as a professional educator. In 1982, she was recognized and honored with an appointment by Texas Governor, W.P. Clements Jr. to the State Teachers Professional Practices Commission. Other awards include the Distinguished Service Award in Human Relations, National Educators Association, Award of Excellence of Service to Education, San Antonio Teachers Council, Yellow Rose of Texas Commission for Service to Education in Texas, Arkansas Traveler Award and the Distinguished Service Award presented by the Vocational Agricultural Teachers Association of Texas.

Dr. Buford was presented the third Grover C. Morlan Medal Award by Abilene Christian College, Dept of Education. Recipients of this award are those who have made significant contributions and improvements in the field of education.

When accepting this award, Dr. Buford was quoted to say, “I am teaching because I fervently believe that the quality of education which young people receive determines the type of society, government and nation that follows as these young people assume the responsibilities of the future…Hopefully and prayerfully, my efforts at being a quality teacher will produce a contribution to the community and the society in which I live.”

Betty was an avid reader, a Bible scholar, a lover of animals, a “best friend” to all who knew her. Never did one have to wonder how Betty felt about anything. She was fair and firm and was an outstanding leader and contributor in each and every position she held. Many teachers throughout the state and nation will remember her leadership and remarkable skills as presiding officer at major conferences and conventions.

Dr. Buford is survived by two nieces, Alta Marie Heine (Austin), Sue Ellen Ricca (Kerrville); a nephew, Raymond E. Buford (Austin); great-nieces and nephews,
Cari Knuckles of New Hampshire, Dixie Bachyrycz of Colorado, Christopher Homsey of Texas, Heather Maness of Nevada, Jeremiah Buford of Hawaii, Michael Buford of Colorado, Jeff, Josh and Alexi Jackson of New Mexico; and also many cousins, extended family members, and friends.

The family is thankful for the love and excellent care that Betty received in her time of need provided by Carol, Vivian, Inez, Anna and Nell.

Memorials in Betty’s honor may be made to the New Road Church of Christ Building Fund, 3100 S. New Road, Waco, Texas 76706