Bettye M. Benefield, 84, of Orange, Texas, passed away on November 30, 2019, in Beaumont, Texas.

Bettye was born in Orange, Texas, on September 11, 1935. In her younger years, she was a resident of Girls Haven Home in Orange and went on to attend TWU in Denton before meeting and marrying the love of her life, Huey Paul Benefield. She worked as a Teller for First National Bank in Orange and then spent many years as the Secretary for Dallon Home in Beaumont. Bettye met Huey at First Baptist Church in Orange where they were both longtime members. She went on to become a charter member of Trinity Baptist Church in Orange that was founded in 2010. Bettye was a member of a motor home travel group called the Allegro Roadrunner Club, which toured the United States and visited every state except Alaska. She was also a member of the West Orange Stark PTA where she would volunteer to help sell pizzas to raise money for the school’s Project Graduation. Bettye was known as a people person as she loved to strike up conversations and help others when given the opportunity. She enjoyed spending her spare time traveling and gardening. Bettye’s memory will live on through those who knew and loved her.

She was preceded in death by her loving husband, Huey Paul Benefield; and her brother, William Manning.

Bettye is survived by her children, William “Chipper” Benefield and wife Cheryl, of Lafayette, LA, Pam Seastrunk, of Orange, and Richard Allen Benefield and wife Donna, of Orange; grandchildren, Christopher Benefield and wife Anna, Carrie Benefield Jeanis and husband Gregory, Matt Benefield, Michael Benefield and wife Mykal, Rachel Seastrunk Holcombe and husband Tanner, Trenton Seastrunk and wife Mackenzie, Hillary Benefield Jeanis and husband Lucas, and Keely Benefield; and her great-grandchildren, Jackson Benefield, Madilyn Benefield, Hannah Holcombe, Zoe Jeanis, Hayes Holcombe, Olivia Jeanis, Heidi Benefield, Layla Jeanis, Claire Seastrunk, and Carley Seastrunk; along with numerous other loving family and friends.

In lieu of customary remembrances, memorial contributions can be made to Trinity Baptist Church in Orange at 1819 N. 16th St., Orange, TX 77630, or to The Alzheimer’s Association or to The Girls Haven Association.

Mrs. Benefield’s family would like to extend their sincere gratitude to Christus St. Elizabeth Hospital, The Medical Center of Southeast Texas-Beaumont Campus, Altus Hospice, and all of the physicians and nurses for their wonderful care and compassion. They would also like to thank Dr. Minesh Patel for his wonderful care throughout the years.

Private family services are under the direction of Claybar Funeral Home in Orange.