Betty Jo Brown

Betty Jo (Pratt) Brown, beloved wife, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, rancher, and dedicated public servant, passed away peacefully on June 6, 2026, leaving behind a remarkable legacy of faith, family, public service, and principled leadership. She was 86 years old.

Born on August 20, 1939, in Kaufman County, Texas, to Joe D. Pratt (1908–1964) and Bethel McNutt Pratt (1915–1992), Betty was raised in Terrell, where she developed the values of hard work, integrity, patriotism, and compassion that would guide her throughout her life. She graduated from Terrell High School in 1957 Salutatorian and later attended Southern Methodist University.

On September 5, 1959, Betty married Ronald George “Ron” Brown. Together they shared more than sixty-three years of marriage and three children, building a life centered on faith, family, and service to others. Their commitment was an inspiration to all who knew them. Ron preceded her in death on September 26, 2022.

A lifelong advocate for conservative principles and civic engagement, Betty devoted much of her life to serving her community and the State of Texas. In 1998, she was elected to the Texas House of Representatives and proudly represented House District 4 from 1999 through 2011. During her six terms in office, she earned the respect of colleagues and constituents alike through her tireless work ethic, accessibility, and unwavering commitment to the people of Kaufman, Hunt, and Henderson Counties.

Throughout her legislative career, Betty served on numerous committees, including Agriculture and Livestock, Elections, and Redistricting. She chaired Budget Oversight for the Agriculture and Livestock Committee from 2003 to 2008 and served as Vice Chair of the House Redistricting Committee. A strong advocate for rural Texas, she championed legislation supporting agriculture, election integrity, judicial improvements, and local government initiatives. Her efforts helped secure additional judicial resources and county courts to meet the needs of the rapidly growing communities she represented.

Beyond her legislative service, Betty remained actively involved in numerous civic, historical, religious, and political organizations. She was a member of the Russell Memorial United Methodist Church and Wills Point International Outreach Church, respectively, participating in the choir, handbell choir, children’s ministry, and leading worship. She was also an active member of the Cedar Creek Republican Club, Eagle Forum, Henderson County Republican Women, Kaufman County Republican Women, Lone Star Republican Women, the Texas Federation of Republican Women, and the Texas Association of Business and Chambers of Commerce. She also served on the Board of Directors of the Texas Conservative Coalition Research Institute and was an Emeritus Member of the Kaufman County Historical Commission. Her dedication to preserving local history and encouraging civic participation reflected her deep love for Texas and its people.

While her accomplishments in public service were many, Betty considered her family to be her greatest achievement and most cherished blessing. She balanced the demands of public office with her responsibilities as a homemaker and rancher, creating a home filled with love and unwavering support. She was known for her strong convictions, her delicious meals, and her ability to make everyone feel welcome. Whether gathered around the family table, attending community events, or helping a neighbor in need, Betty led by example and touched countless lives through her kindness and steadfast faith.

Betty is survived by her daughter, Rhonda Cobern and husband Parkey; her son, Greg Brown and wife Sonia; and her daughter, Emily Pogue and husband Randy. She was a proud and loving grandmother to Tarryn Cobern Hatcher, Tory Cobern Simpson, Tabor Cobern, Denton Brown, Sophia Brown, Meredith Pogue, Samantha Pogue, and Lincoln Pogue. She was also blessed with six treasured great-grandchildren: Grayson, Denver, Jewel, Luke, Grace, and Mason.

Betty’s life was defined by service, perseverance, faith, and love. Whether representing her constituents in Austin, working alongside her family on the ranch, or offering encouragement to a friend, she lived with purpose, grace, and conviction. Her legacy endures in the family she adored, the communities she faithfully served, and the countless lives she enriched through her leadership and friendship.

Though she will be deeply missed, her example and love for the Lord will continue to inspire all who knew her. Her family finds comfort in knowing that she has been reunited with Ron and those who preceded her in death, and that her enduring spirit will live on in the hearts of generations to come.

A visitation is scheduled for Monday, June 15, 2026, at 12:30 p.m. at Mullin-Fuller Funeral Home, located at 205 Corky Boyd Ave. Wills Point, with a funeral service to be held immediately following at 1:00 pm. Interment will be held on Tuesday, June 16, 2026, at Texas State Cemetery, located at 909 Navasota Street, Austin, Texas 78702.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the International Fellowship of Christians and Jews (www.ifcj.org).

“Well done, good and faithful servant.” Matthew 25:2