Elizabeth Grey Hejl

Betty Grey Hejl, age 84, died in an Abilene medical center on Thursday, August 6, 2009 after suffering several years with Alzheimer's. Born Elizabeth (Betty) Grey McKinney on 0ctober 30, l924 to B.D. & Louise (Arrington) McKinney in Sweeny, TX, she graduated from Sweeny High School in 1942 and Abilene Christian College in 1946 with a major in music (voice). Betty married Jerome (J.C.) Hejl in 1946. They lived in Midland, Austin, Houston, Tyler, Corpus Christi, Conroe, and back in Abilene in 1971 while J.C. was employed by Exxon Co. Betty taught private piano and voice in several locations while raising her children and enjoying needle work, classical music and flowers. She was preceded in death by her parents; her daughter, Laura Grey (Hejl) Packer; and older brother, James D. McKinney. She is survived by her husband, J.C., and children, Jerry Hejl and wife Angie, of Abilene, and James Lee Hejl of Austin; brothers, Jack McKinney and wife Joanne of Searcy, AK, and Bob McKinney and wife Patsy of Georgetown, TX; son-in-law, Randy Packer of Abilene; sister-in-law, Laurine McKinney of Franklin, Tennessee; and grandchildren, Jay Packer and wife Amy, of San Angelo, and Melissa Grey Packer of Abilene. She is also survived by a number of nieces, nephews and friends. Many thanks to Dr. Moak and the Hospice Care nurses at Hendrick Medical Center, Debbie, Eva, Karena, Suzanne, and others that cared for Betty. Remembrances may be made to Alzheimer's Association, North Central Texas Chapter, 301 S. Pioneer Dr. Suite 105, Abilene, TX 79605, or to a charity of your choice. Graveside services will be held at 10:00 a.m. Monday in Elmwood Memorial Park in Abilene, with Terry Brown officiating, directed by The Hamil Family Funeral Home, 6449 Buffalo Gap Road in Abilene. The family will receive friends from 3 to 5 p.m. Sunday at the funeral home.