Bette Ann Samford, 85, of Center, Texas, passed away on November 24, 2022, in San Augustine, Texas. She was born on October 16, 1937, in Center, Texas, to the late Alex Merrill Lucas and Linnie Mittie Stephens Lucas. A memorial service will be held at 2PM at Short Methodist Church, on Sunday, December 4, 2022, with Rev. Sherry Harding officiating. Bette was born and raised in Shelby County. She graduated Center High School. She met the love of her life, Ben Samford, and the two were married in 1957. They spent many wonderful years together before his passing in 2017. Bette worked for Southwestern Bell/ AT&T for over 30 years before retiring. She was also a dedicated mother, grandmother, and housewife. Bette found great joy in taking care of family. She enjoyed traveling and seeing the beauty all around. Bette was a worthy matron and member of the Order of Eastern Star Chapter 348. She loved the Lord and was a lifelong member of the First Methodist and Short Methodist Church. She is survived by her son, C.A. Samford and wife Connie of Denton, Texas; grandson, Benjamin Virgil Samford of Denton, Texas; brother, Claude Austin Lucas and wife Bonnie of Center, Texas; nieces, Barbara Samford Pinkston, Cheri Lucas Wheeler; nephews, Austin Lucas, Will Lucas; numerous great nieces and great nephews; and a host of family and friends that will miss her dearly. Bette is preceded in death by her loving husband, Ben Samford; parents, Alex and Linnie Lucas; and sister, Carrie Alice Lucas; brother and sister in Mangum Funeral Home Laird Funeral Home, Inc. laws, Clarence Ford Samford and Ann Samford, William Samford and Janell Samford. In lieu of flowers the family requests donations be made to Methodist Children’s Home Waco, Texas https://www.mch.org/donate/ or Basilica of Our Lady of San Juan del Valle, San Juan, Texas https://www.olsjbasilica.org/give . To send condolences or to sign an online register, please visit www.mangumfh.net . Mangum Funeral Home, Center, is in charge of arrangements.