Betty Hamner

Betty Sue (Barnes) Hamner stepped into heaven on Sunday, November 17, 2024, at the age of 91. She was born on August 28, 1933, in Cordell, Oklahoma, to John and Lula Mae Barnes. Betty grew up in Trent, Texas, where she graduated from Trent High School. She and Billy Wayne married February 9 th, 1951 and enjoyed 73 years together with travels, friends, family and all things Trent.

After completing her education at Draughn’s Business School, Betty devoted 38 ½ years to serving the community through her work at Home State Bank in Trent, where she retired with pride. She was an active member of the Trent Church of Christ and remained a dedicated supporter of her community, supporting the school and most any event that benefited the sweet town that she loved so much.

Known for her athleticism, Betty was an exceptional basketball player in her youth and continued to be a lifelong fan of the sport. Her love of family was evident in the many family reunions she hosted at the lake house she and her husband, Billy Wayne Hamner, cherished so much. Betty enjoyed every opportunity to gather with her loved ones and was always the heart of the celebration.

Betty raised two daughters, Tina Toombs of Merkel, Texas, and Teri Norwood, married to Chris Norwood, of Gilmer, Texas. She instilled in them important life lessons, including the values of kindness and defining prejudice as “Ignorance, or making assumptions based on appearances.” and the principle from Proverbs 25:21-22 that she would simply
state as "kill'em with kindness."

She took great joy in spending time with her grandchildren, Alicia Toombs, Joshua Swain, and Dillon Swain, as well as her great-grandchildren, Ryder, Avonlea, Amelia, Maggie, and Maebri, all of
whom brought her immense pride and joy.

Betty was preceded in death by her daughter, Troy Francis Hamner; grandson, Shawn Brian Toombs; her parents, John and Lula Mae
Barnes; and her five sisters and one brother.

A loving mother, grandmother, and friend, Betty will be remembered for her warm heart, generous spirit, and unwavering faith.

Pallbearers are Gary Hamner, Chris Norwood, Joshua Swain, Dillon Swain, Alicia Toombs, and Ryder Swain.

Visitation will be from 6 to 8 p.m., Tuesday, November 19 th at Starbuck Funeral Home, 1022 N. 2 nd Street, Merkel, Texas.
Funeral Services will be held at 2 p.m., Wednesday, November 20 th at the Trent Church of Christ, 201 N. Birch Street, Trent Texas. Burial to follow at Trent Garden of Memories. Services are under the direction of Starbuck Funeral Home.

The family expresses their sincere gratitude to the staff of Gentiva Hospice and Windcrest Health and Rehabilitation.

For those who are not able to make it, the funeral service will be streamed live from https://trentcoc.org/live-stream. 

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Betty Hamner, please visit our floral store.