Betty Jo Mann

Betty Jo “BJ” Mann Betty Jo Mann of Abilene, Texas passed away on August 29, 2013 peacefully at her home. Funeral services will be at 2:00 p.m. on Saturday, August 31, at The Hamil Family Funeral Home Chapel, 6449 Buffalo Gap Road in Abilene. Burial will follow in Bronte Cemetery in Bronte, Texas. Betty Jo was born July 18, 1923 at her grandmother’s home in Bronte, Texas to parents Cecil and Willie Mae Glenn. She grew up in Bronte, graduating from Bronte High School in 1944. She attended Baylor University in Waco, where she obtained a degree in Journalism. She then completed her education with a Master of Journalism degree from the University of Texas. She began teaching in Victoria, TX, and then moved to Abilene, where she taught English and Journalism at Abilene High. As a new young adult in Abilene, she joined Abilene Civic Theater where she met the love of her life, Normand Mann. They soon became constant companions and married on June 12, 1959 in her parent’s home in Bronte. Together they shared their passion for traveling from here to wonderful places such as Scotland, Greece, France, and Germany as well as more destinations abroad and all across the United States. They also shared a passion for reading, never to be without a book at all times. BJ also was a wonderful cook and hostess. She will always be remembered for all of the fun parties she held at her home, always a great entertainer. Betty Jo was always an avid volunteer for the many organizations with great love for Abilene State School. She later became the Volunteer Coordinator, during which time she was instrumental in building the Chapel for the many residents. BJ was a lifetime member of Garden Club and Bridge Club. BJ was preceded in death by her parents, husband Normand Mann, cousin Norma Schultz, and cousin Jimmy Glenn. BJ is survived by her beloved pet Miss Mary, cousin Tom Price, cousin Ollie Lou Cole, and her “Near Nieces” Robbie Fuchs and husband Douglas, Lou Ann Hatler and husband Jim, Emaleta Mooney and husband Asa, Glennda Flatt and husband Lonnie, and numerous great friends. BJ is also survived by her very special neighbors Gregg and Lana Froh. Thank you to Hospice of the Big Country and caregivers, Debra Corley and Shannon Dockrey. The family requests that memorial contributions be made to the charity of your choice.