Betty M. Phelps of Allen, Texas, passed away peacefully on September 26, 2026, at the age of 93.
Born on August 24, 1933, in San Saba, Texas, Betty was the daughter of William Joseph and Ida (Fischer) McCartney. She was raised in McCulloch County and graduated from Rochelle High School in 1950. She later attended Durham Business College in Austin, Texas.
Betty married Billy M. Crowder on September 6, 1957. In May 1982, she married Dr. Ralph A. Phelps, Jr. in Brownwood, Texas.
Throughout her professional life, Betty was dedicated to serving others through her work in the legal and judicial fields. After spending twelve years as a legal secretary, she was appointed Juvenile Probation Officer for Brown County in 1976. Two years later, she was appointed Chief Adult Probation Officer for the 35th Judicial District, serving Brown, Coleman, and Mills Counties. She carried out these responsibilities with professionalism and distinction until her retirement in 1986.
Following her retirement, Betty moved to Athens, Texas, where she faithfully served alongside Dr. Phelps in the ministry of Virginia Hill Baptist Church until his death in 1997. She was a devoted member of First Baptist Church of Athens and remained active in her church and community for many years. Betty found joy in serving others and was known for her kindness, faith, and generous spirit.
An avid gardener, Betty especially loved cultivating daylilies. She also enjoyed playing bridge and treasured the friendships she made through the years. Her life was marked by unwavering faith, deep devotion to family, and a genuine concern for those around her. To her grandchildren and great-grandchildren, she was affectionately known as “Lovey,” a title she cherished and one that reflected the special bond she shared with each of them.
Betty will be deeply missed and lovingly remembered by all who knew her.
She is survived by her children, Mark Crowder of Winchell, Texas; Judy Parker and husband Scott of Lubbock, Texas; and Deborah Russell and husband Randy of Allen, Texas; her grandchildren, Evan Barger and wife Amy, Lindsey Lewis and husband Landry, Brandon Crowder and wife Madison, Will Russell and wife Marissa, Stephen Crowder and wife Sophie, Lauren Parker, Sarah Sullivan and husband Sam, Matt Russell and wife Karlie, and Travis Parker; and her great-grandchildren, Bear Barger, Lane Lewis, Dax Barger, Barrett Crowder, Madeline Russell, Brooks Crowder, and Charlotte Crowder.
She was preceded in death by her parents, William and Ida McCartney; her husband, Dr. Ralph A. Phelps, Jr.; her brothers, Garrett McCartney, L.V. McCartney, Connie McCartney, Duke McCartney, Willie Ray McCartney, Jack McCartney, and her twin brother, Bobby McCartney; and her sisters, Opal Wheeless, Mineola Sanders, Velma Oliver, and Mildred Lindhorn.
A graveside service will be held at 12:30 p.m. on Thursday, October 1, 2026, at Eastlawn Memorial Park, 1921 Early Boulevard, Early, Texas 76802. The family will receive friends for visitation from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. on Wednesday, September 30, 2026, at Turrentine-Jackson-Morrow Funeral Home, 2525 Central Expressway North, Allen, Texas 75013.
The family gratefully acknowledges the staff at Christian Care Senior Living Facility in Allen for their love and support.