Betty Lea Joiner Meiron Obituary

Betty Lea Joiner Meiron, 77, of Cross Plains, passed away Saturday, April 4, 2015 in Rising Star.  Funeral services will be at 1:00 p.m. Tuesday, April 7, 2015 at Higginbotham Funeral Chapel with Duane Hutchins officiating, assisted by Will Meiron; burial will follow in the Pioneer Cemetery.

Betty was born October 3, 1937 in Lubbock, Texas to Vaughter and Stella Joiner. She was raised in Jayton, Texas by her aunt and uncle Era and Bass King. She attended high school at Abilene High, graduating in 1955.

Betty married Vincent Meiron Jr., in Abilene on October 22, 1958. and began her life as a military wife, loving mother and friend, insatiable student, gifted educator and champion for children. Despite the couple's military-related moves, Betty was able to run a household of five and earn three college degrees. She attended University of Texas in Austin earning a Bachelor of Science degree in Education in 1972, Hardin-Simmons University, graduating in 1980 with a Master of Education Degree, and Baylor University earning a Degree in Education in 1992.

Betty, or Moose as she was known by grandchildren and family, was employed by the Cross Plains ISD and the Comanche County Special Services Co-Op from 1973 to 1990. She worked as teacher, school counselor and diagnostician. In 1993 she became principal for the Andrews ISD and served at two schools before retiring in 2000. Betty continued to work as a Licensed Professional Counselor during her retirement. She was selected to contract with the Department of Family and Protective Services to provide parent training and counseling services  beginning in 2006-2008, and 2013-2014.

Survivors include her husband of 56 years, Vincent Leo Meiron; half-brother RM Joiner of Round Rock; daughter Susan Meiron Hutchins and husband Duane of Stephenville; son Andy Meiron and wife Pat of Tuscola; eight grandchildren: Dustin Meiron, Lindsey Meiron Ellibee, Mary and Katie Meiron; Alan and Aron Hutchins; Will and Hunter Meiron; five great-grandchildren, and one niece,  four nephews, and several great-nieces and great-nephews around the country.

She was preceded in death by her parents, her aunt and uncle, her sister Reba Stovall, and son Vincent Leo Meiron III.

Serving as pall bearers will be her grandsons, with her granddaughters as honorary pall bearers.

In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to the Cross Plains or Rising Star Volunteer Fire Departments, or the Cross Plains Library.