Betty Ann Shaffer

Betty Ann Shaffer passed away on October 27, 2020 at Huguley Hospital in Burleson, Texas at the age of
73. She was born shortly after World War II on February 23, 1947 to Olive Ruby Blaxley, an English
immigrant, and Dennis McHenry Hawkins, of Graham, Texas. She was raised in Graham and was a proud
member of the Graham Steers, Class of 1965. She then went on to The University of North Texas and
earned a degree in Elementary Education. She taught school for nearly 30 years and most of that time
was spent teaching second and fourth grades at David E. Smith Elementary in Haltom City, Texas. Mrs.
Shaffer was the consummate and beloved teacher that constantly worked to make sure her students
learned.
Mrs. Shaffer was also known as “Mama Shaffer.” She was not only a mom to her daughter, but also to
many children and youth. She spent much of her time in service to children and youth. This time
included coordinating the Glenrose children’s camp for Haltom Road Baptist Church, and leading a Girl
Scout Troop for many years. She was the cook and driver for many youth events, ski trips, and mission
trips. As an artist, she used her skills to always make sure her students and other children in her life had
a hand painted and personalized ornament for their Christmas tree every year. She helped paint sets
and sew costumes for numerous high school theatre, choir, and church productions. Some students said
that she was even an opera singer, who sang out of tune, if it led to empowering and teaching the
children and youth in her life. For the last 17 years, she gave herself the title of “chief cook and bottle
washer” for her daughter’s veterinary clinic. She performed every position in the practice from dog
walker to office manager. She took on all of these roles, not only to support and encourage her
daughter’s success, but also as a service to all that she came in contact with.
Betty Ann Shaffer is preceded in death by her father, Dennis McHenry Hawkins, and her brother, Dennis
Ray Hawkins. She is survived in this life by her mother, Olive Ruby Hawkins; her daughter, Dehna Leah
Shaffer; her brother, Bobby Glynn Hawkins; her sister-in-law, Susan Singleton Hawkins; and her nieces,
nephew, and their spouses and children.
A memorial service for Mrs. Shaffer will be held on November 21, 2020 at 11:00am at Haltom Road
Baptist Church, 3313 Haltom Road, Haltom City, Texas 76117.