Betty Zane Mahaffey Wilson, 83, passed away on December 24, 2025, in Austin, TX.

Born in Atlanta, Texas, on January 8, 1942, Betty graduated from Ruston High School in Louisiana before marrying her beloved husband John on June 18, 1960. The couple spent almost 59 years together, traveling across the country during John’s service in the United States Navy until his passing at age 80 on April 1, 2019. After retiring from the Navy and settling in Austin, TX, in 1977, Betty gave over three decades of dedicated service to the University of Texas, first in the office of Academic Affairs and later in the Robotics department.

A devoted matriarch, Betty was known for her selflessness and infinite patience as a daughter, sister, wife, mother, and grandmother. Her deep faith in Jesus Christ guided her life; she began reading the Bible to her children when they were young and remained a steadfast example of godly devotion for her family and friends.

Betty was preceded in death by her husband of 58 years, John Buford Wilson, Jr.; her parents, Robert Jacob and Johnie Elizabeth Mahaffey of Bivins, TX; and two brothers, Billy and Mark Mahaffey.

She is survived by her brother Robert Mahaffey of Bossier City, LA, and her four children: Antionette (Toni) Rayner of Austin, TX; John Wilson of Papillion, NE; Steven Wilson of Allentown, PA; and Sharon Smith of Grandview, TX. She also leaves behind five grandchildren (Darcy Hobbs, Nannette Chvala, John Rayner, Scott Rayner, and Arminda Smith) as well as five great-grandchildren (Elizabeth, Charlotte, Wesley, Caleb, and Dana).

A simple outdoor service will be held on January 30th at 9am at the Central Texas Veteran's Cemetery in Killeen, TX, where she will join her husband for her final resting place. 

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