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Betty Jay (Van Sandt) Strong, age 93, died peacefully surrounded by family on December 7th, 2016 in Irving, TX. Betty Jay was preceded in death by her husband, James Reed Strong. She is survived by her three children, son John Garrison Strong and wife Marilu; grandchildren Paul Russell, James Andrew, John David and Ana Elizabeth; daughter, Janet Elizabeth Strong and husband Andy Fuller; son Michael Jay Strong and wife Elizabeth; granddaughter Emily Dianne Katherine Strong and partner Charles Stubbs; grandson Jay Paul Strong and wife Dionne Rizo Strong; great grandson Refugio Xavier “Rex”; granddaughter Beverley Christine Strong and grandson Timothy James Strong and wife Jamie Yvette Sligar Strong.Betty Jay was born on February 16, 1923 in Carthage, TX to Jay Bascomb Van Sandt and Florence Pool Van Sandt. She graduated with a bachelor from UT Austin, masters from Stephen F. Austin, and her Doctorate from the University of Memphis. Betty Jay married James Reed Strong in 1949. She taught art in public schools in Carthage, Dallas, and Memphis. Her Doctorate research was in how reading and learning disabilities in children can be detected or diagnosed by how they draw and paint. Jimmy and Betty Strong were recognized leaders in their communities in the struggle for civil rights for all people in the late 1940’s, and throughout the 1950’s and 1960’s. The family would like to thank the caregivers of Silverado Memory Care and Hospice of Irving, TX, Aria Memory Care of Cedar Park, TX, and The Pointe in Cedar Park, TX for their tender care and love of our beloved Betty Jay. Betty Jay was a kind and compassionate teacher that encouraged her students to achieve greater things than they believed possible. Her energy would set fire to everyone’s spirit, and her smile could light an entire city. She made everyone feel unique, special and loved. There will be a very brief graveside service 2:00 PM on Saturday, December 10th, 2016 at the Odd Fellows Cemetery in Carthage, TX. A full memorial service with military honors will be held in Irving, TX sometime in January. Please check back at the first of the year for further details.

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