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Betty Cotulla Child was born in San Antonio, Texas on July 24, 1930. Her parents were Joseph Cotulla, Jr., and Elizabeth Chalk Buchanan Cotulla. She passed away on June 17, 2024. Betty spent most of her life in San Antonio where she attended schools and graduated from Brackenridge High School in 1947. She married Donald Eugene Child in Palm Heights Methodist Church. They were married almost 69 years when Don passed away April 29, 2016. After marrying, the young couple moved to Wyoming and after a couple of years moved back to San Antonio where they made their home. They had two children, David Eugene Child, and Linda Child Nairn. When the children were ready to attend school, the couple decided that they should start on their own journey to attend college. They enrolled in night school at San Antonio Junior College taking night classes while their children stayed with a willing grandmother who fortunately lived next door. After four years they each received their associate degree. The Dean of SAJC night school encouraged them to continue their studies at Trinity University. They enrolled and both she and her husband received bachelor’s and master’s degrees from Trinity. Betty, later, earned a doctorate in education from Nova University. Betty was an educator. She worked as a substitute teacher until she got her bachelor’s degree, teaching in South San Antonio ISD and San Antonio ISD almost every school day for eight years. When she got her bachelor’s degree, she already had her job in San Antonio ISD. In the summer 1970, she was offered a position at the Education Service Center, Region 20. She accepted and spent 20 happy years working with schools and teachers in the region. Family, friends and church were dear to her heart. For many years she participated in activities at Trinity Episcopal Church: The Altar Guild, Daughters of the King, Eucharistic Minister, Worship Leader, Board of Trustees (Senior Warden), and Church Administrator. Later, she became a member of Christ Episcopal Church. Betty belonged to several organizations. Among these were the Order of Eastern Star, Harlendale Chapter, the State Association of Texas Pioneers (past president), the San Antonio Area Retired Teachers Association, the Friends of the San Antonio Public Library, and The Daughters of the American Revolution. Betty was preceded in death by her parents, her two brothers, Jack Buchanan and Stephen Cotulla, and her son, David Eugene Child. She leaves a daughter, Linda Child Nairn, San Antonio, a grandson, John Andrew Nairn, Houston, a granddaughter, Amy Nairn Pitzel and her husband Jason, Katy, Texas, and two great-grand-children, Mathias Joseph and Sarah Josephine (Josie) Pitzel. A memorial service will be held on Thursday, July 25, 2024, at 11:00 AM at Christ Episcopal Church 510 Belknap Place San Antonio, Texas 78212 with a reception to follow in the Parish Hall.

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Betty Cotulla Child

July 24, 1930 - June 17, 2024