Bettie H. Heacker

Bettie H. Heacker, born Elizabeth Lorraine Holik, on May 26, 1921, in Louise, Texas, the 11th of 12 children to Czech immigrants, John and Sophia Holik, died peacefully at home on June 6, 2017. Twelve days after her 96th birthday, she decided her time here was complete. Bettie lived the full circle of life. She went from the farm to the city. She went from being athletic to being wheelchair bound. She went from managing a busy household to being completely dependent. Her life was defined by her love of faith, family, and friends. She inspired many by the grace and courage with which she faced her diminishing life. She was graduated from Louise High School in 1939, where she was proud to play in the State Volleyball finals. Upon graduation, Bettie finished business school and attained her dream to work for Gulf Oil in Houston, where she lived the rest of her life, as a homemaker and volunteer. Bettie loved the Lord, always finding encouragement in scripture and spiritual readings. She maintained her strong Christian faith and rich sense of humor until the end. Born a Catholic, she married at First Christian Church in 1944. Here she was active until she was widowed in 1975. She then joined Second Baptist church, closer to home. She attended Wednesday Prayer service at St Paul's Methodist in the past decade, too. Church was always a part of her life. Bettie enjoyed helping others, tirelessly giving of her time and talents, including supporting her family in their businesses. Whether it was First Prize Foods, Wabash, or Excargo, she had a hand in its success. She enjoyed partnering with her husband in many civic endeavors, including Shriners Hospitals, The Royal Order of Jesters, Houston Livestock Show, and Texas Society for the Prevention of Blindness. In 1978, she joined the Blue Bird Circle. She cherished her years volunteering in the hospitals and resale shop. Their charitable work changed lives. She was a lifelong learner and expected us all to make the best of every day. She became expert in her interests: avid gardener, gourmet cook, couture seamstress, and sports encyclopedia. Sadly, Bettie was diagnosed with dementia over 20 years ago. Fortunately, her daughter Betty Lou gave her a nurturing, pastoral home with the loving and excellent care of Barbara Hollemon, supported by Rosa Villareal, Cris Saldana and Xochi Almanza. We are forever grateful. We also thank Drs. Eugene Lai and Arturo Rios for their decades of superb care and Houston Hospice for their gentle guidance. Bettie was preceded in death by her husband, businessman Lewis C. Heacker, Sr., her parents, and all of her siblings. She is survived by her children: Betty L. Heacker, Lewis C. Heacker, Jr., and Marcia (Tom) Faschingbauer of Houston; Kay Schafer of Richardson, and Karen (Gordon) Wise of Austin; four grandchildren and four great grandchildren and numerous nieces and nephews. A memorial service will be held at Second Baptist Church, Hankamer Chapel at 6400 Woodway, Wednesday, June 28, at 11:00 a.m. with a reception to follow in the Deacon's Parlor. Memorial donations may be made to Blue Bird Circle, 615 W. Alabama, Houston, TX 77006. http://www.thebluebirdcircle.com/.