Many garden club members knew Betty Langford, who passed away recently. Betty and her husband Herb have supported educational work in Landscape Horticulture and Extension Service programs for many years. Betty's passing will leave a void, but there is a heritage of service and good will for her friends, family, and community to reflect upon.

Thanks to Dr. William Johnson, Galveston County Extension Agent, for preparing the following tribute.

Bill Welch

 

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In Memory of Mrs. Betty M. Langford,
Master Gardener, Class of 1982

By Dr. William M. Johnson, CEA HORT

rs. Betty M. Langford of Texas City passed away on Tuesday, August 13, 2002, in Galveston, Texas. Along with her husband, Herb B. Langford, other family and friends, the staff of the Galveston County Extension Office feels a great loss in her passing.

In addition to her many other contributions to the Galveston County community, Betty was a long-term volunteer with the Galveston County Extension Office. My transition into the position of Galveston County Extension Agent was made very pleasant and productive, thanks in a large measure to very dedicated and supportive volunteers such as Betty.

Betty had served on the Extension Horticulture Committee since 1978 and was instrumental in planning and sponsoring numerous horticulture-related educational programs for the benefit of county residents. She was an avid gardener and had a special talent and interest in flowers and floral arrangement. She provided pivotal roles in planning and conducting annual Vegetable and Flower Shows. Betty and her spouse, Herb provided major support over many years with conducting Landscape Design Short Courses for area residents at the County Extension Office. Betty also provided substantiative contributions toward the implementation of the Master Gardener Volunteer Program in Galveston County. The first Master Gardener class was conducted in 1982. Betty was a member of the first class and she remained an active Master Gardener until her health needs required otherwise. Even so, she maintained her interest in, and support of, Master Gardener volunteers.

Betty was a true people person. Her acts of kindness and caring will always be remembered and appreciated by her "Extension family" of staff and volunteers, and her passion for community involvement motivated us to work at a higher level. Her passing is a great loss for us all. This loss extends far beyond her contributions to our communities, as Betty was a friend and inspiration for many of us. We are all better individuals for having crossed paths with Betty.