Betty Jean (Melton) Holloway

Betty Jean Melton Holloway passed away on September 10, 2023, at her home, surrounded by her loved ones. She was born on January 1st, 1934 to Geroge and Josie Melton in Huntsville, Alabama where she lived until after she graduated from high school.  After graduation, she and her sister Joyce moved to Dallas, TX to live with their aunt and uncle.  Shortly thereafter, her parents followed suit and they all remained in Texas the rest of their lives.

Betty married Frederick Paul Holloway on July 3rd, 1958 in Dallas, TX.  They had three children, Penny Holloway Belcher Muecke, Vicki K. Holloway and Frederick “Paul” Holloway, Jr.  After living in Dallas and Houston, the family moved to Bug Tussle, TX in 1973.  They made their last and final move in 2000 to Commerce, TX.

One may wonder how and why they ended up in Bug Tussle of all places in the world. After living many years in the larger cities and being the fashionista that she was known for, she gave it up to be near family. Betty’s cousin moved his family to Ben Franklin, TX to be closer to his wife’s family.  Later, Betty’s aunt and uncle (her cousin’s parents and her dad’s brother) decided to also move to Ben Franklin.  This started a family trend.  Betty’s dad wanted to get out of the city after he retired and therefore, decided to also move to Ben Franklin to be closer to his brother and family.  Later, Betty’s sister, Joyce and her family also moved to Ben Franklin.  Betty and her family were living in Houston and would come to Ben Franklin for every holiday and summer vacation.  The kids loved playing with cousins and the freedom of the country life.  Therefore, Betty and her husband, Fred, decided they would also move.  However, they didn’t find anything in Ben Franklin, but instead found 34 acres of land in Bug Tussle.  They moved an old home from Petty, TX to the land and remodeled the house.  To say they were like the TV show Green Acres is no exaggeration – they were totally clueless of country living.  Nevertheless, it was home and the kids grew up in the Bug Tussle house.

Betty’s early career was in the banking industry.  She worked at several of the larger banks in the Dallas area for many years.  Later, she worked for Mutual of Omaha Insurance Company in Paris, Texas, and retired in 1992.

Betty is preceded in death by her parents George and Josie Melton, her husband Frederick Holloway, her son Paul Holloway and her sister Joyce Melton Powell. She is survived by her daughter Penny Belcher and husband John Muecke, her daughter Vicki Holloway, and her sister Ruth Melton. She is also survived by her grandchildren, Charolette Holloway Molina and husband Joe, Dylan Townes, Zane Belcher, Leya Holloway and Trey Holloway.  Also, her two step great grandchildren, Taylor Belcher and Tori Belcher.  Her newest great grandchild is Weston Molina and her two great great-step grandchildren are Denver Belcher and Ricky Belcher.  She is also survived by nieces, nephews, great-nieces and great-nephews that she loved very much.

A visitation will take place on Tuesday, September 12, 2023 at Commerce Funeral Home from 4:00 - 6:00 p.m.