PANHANDLE – Betty Jo French Best, age 95, passed away peacefully on April 17, 2026. She was born on April 6, 1931, and lived a life deeply rooted in faith, love, and devotion to her family. Born in Panhandle, Texas, she was the daughter of Woodrow Wilson French and Ruby Alean French. She graduated from French High School in Beaumont, Texas, in 1949 and went on to attend The University of Mary Hardin-Baylor in Belton, Texas. Betty was preceded in death by her childhood sweetheart and beloved husband, Robert Nemon Best, whom she married on June 1, 1950, in Beaumont, Texas. He passed away in 1983 after 33 years of marriage. While his sudden loss was profound, Betty showed remarkable strength and resilience in the years that followed. She lived independently and thrived on her own for the next 43 years-something she took great pride in and considered one of her life’s greatest accomplishments. Betty and Bob lived in several places across the country before settling in Fort Worth, Texas, where they spent most of their adult lives. Betty worked as a coding specialist at Harris Hospital for over 20 years, a career she truly loved and where she formed many lifelong friendships. Betty’s life was a testament to her unwavering faith in Jesus Christ. She was devoted to studying and teaching the Bible, faithfully sharing her knowledge and love of God with others. She was a longtime member of River Oaks Baptist Church, where she taught Sunday School for many years, impacting countless lives through her dedication and wisdom. Not only did she influence those in her classes, but she also openly shared the love of Jesus with everyone she encountered-from coworkers to neighbors. Many described her as the best Bible teacher they had ever known. Betty was known for her infectious laughter. She was genuinely kind, generous and compassionate. She had a remarkable ability to remember names and made everyone she met feel seen, valued, and respected. Whether with close family or a new acquaintance, she treated others with warmth and dignity, leaving a lasting impression on all who knew her. She was an avid reader with a deep love of learning, and she cherished opportunities to travel, exploring many parts of the world. She was also a devoted fan of the Texas Rangers and never missed an opportunity to cheer them on. Betty is preceded in death by her husband, her parents, and her brother, Glen French. She is survived by her beloved sister-in-law, Doris French, and her two brothers Jimmie French (Betty) and Jack French (Janet); her children, Beckie Hinze (Rick), Bryan Best (Kathy), and Bob Best; her grandchildren, Matt Hinze, Scott Hinze (Britta), Cody Best (Deidra), Ryan Best, Anna Mulloy (Kyle), Tucker Best (Sonia), Sarah Stutzman (Sean), and Jacob Best (Raegan); and her 16 great-grandchildren, as well as many nieces and nephews. Above all, Betty loved God and her family. Her legacy is one of strong faith and joy, love of scripture and mostly enduring love for others. She will be deeply missed and forever remembered by all who knew and loved her. Funeral services will be held on April 24, 2026, at 10:00 a.m. at Trinity Chapel Bible Church, 6610 Southwest Blvd., Benbrook, TX. Donations in Betty’s honor can be made to: Texas Senior Ministries ℅ The Walk Church P.O. Box 33452 Fort Worth, TX 76162 www.seniorministries.org YoungLife Guatemala www.guatemala.younglife.org
Related
View more details from the funeral home site.
Fort Worth Report is certified by the Journalism Trust Initiative for adhering to standards for ethical journalism.