Betty Herman

Betty Katherine (Middlebrook) Herman of San Angelo, Texas passed away on Thursday February 2, 2023.  She was born in Lamesa, Texas to J.B. and Lora Thomas Middlebrook on November 11, 1933.  While a young girl she joyously thought the nation celebrated her birthday each year.  It was only later she realized the nation actually was celebrating and honoring veterans on Veteran’s Day.  She attended school in Lamesa Texas, graduating from high school in 1951.  She is survived by her loving husband, Dorman Herman of San Angelo, Texas.  They were married on December 26,1951 in O’Donnell, Texas.  They were happily married for 71 years and one month.  She is also survived by one sister, Cynthia Middlebrook Eads of Buena Vista Colorado.  Three siblings preceded her in death:  James Bryant Middlebrook, Virginia Middlebrook Eime, and Estelle Middlebrook Hardman.

Betty was the mother of three children:  daughter Kristi and husband Mike Andress of San Angelo, Texas, son Jim and wife Jeannie Herman of Kingwood, Texas, and son Ben and wife Pam Herman of Hallsville, Texas.  She adored her 10 grandchildren and their families:  Ashley and Jim Honea (Ryann, Cullen, and Breven) of San Angelo; Anna and Stephen Heimbecker (Jackson and Katherine) of San Angelo; Emily and Derek Rogers (Jack and Hannah) of Sonora; Erin and Chaz Sloan (Caleb, Truitt, and Evie) of San Angelo; Lora and Mat Kelso (Levi and Cole) of Round Rock; Blair and Kyle Griffith  (Brooks, Lane, and Charlotte) of Wylie; James and Meredith Herman (Olivia) of Yukon, Oklahoma; Rebecca and John Massey (John Richard) of Junction; Caroline and Brian Moore (Jordan and Wesley ) of New Diana; and Anabelle Herman of Hallsville, Texas.

Betty has always been known for her love for the Lord and lived her life in service to Him.  While living in Monahans, Texas she was very active in church work and her children’s school activities.  Moving to Fort Stockton she was an energetic member of First Baptist Church, leading Bible studies and serving on the hospitality committee.  She was the “mother” of the local MOPS group in Fort Stockton for several years, encouraging, fostering, and advising young mothers in the area.  She and her husband also served as senior ministers at their church, planning activities and trips for the senior group.  Following her husband’s retirement, they traveled to Washington state to serve as home missionaries in the Seattle area.  A highlight was to minister to the young spouses on the navy station based in Everett.  Betty also supported and helped her husband as he started and lead First Response Ministry, and as he planned and built the Lila Smith Safe House for victims of domestic violence.

Betty was also known for her friendliness and her kind generosity.  She was constantly in the kitchen preparing and baking meals for those around her.  She was known for her delicious breads, pies, cakes, and cookies.  She loved to visit with people and learn everything she could about them, always with a smile.

To honor the memory of Betty, the family asks that in lieu of flowers, a donation in her name be made to the Lilah Smith Safe House.

Lilah Smith Safe House

PO Box 575

Fort Stockton, Texas 79735

“Strength and honor are her clothing; and she shall rejoice in time to come. She opens her mouth with wisdom; and in her tongue is the law of kindness. She looks well to the ways of her household, and does not eat the bread of idleness. Her sons rise up and call her blessed; her husband also, and he praises her. Many daughters have done well, but you excel them all. Favor is deceitful, and beauty is vain, but a woman who fears the LORD, she shall be praised. Give her of the fruit of her hands; and let her own works praise her in the gates.”

Proverbs 31:25-31