Betty Groepper

Betty Alice Tumbleson Groepper passed away peacefully in her sleep on May 5, 2025, while visiting family in McKinleyville, California. She was 83 years old.

Born in Evansville, Indiana, Betty spent her formative years in Carthage, Texas. She pursued higher education with passion, earning a B.A. in English from the University of Texas in 1966. A lifelong learner and advocate, Betty's career spanned scientific research and civic engagement. She worked as a laboratory technician at institutions including the University of Texas, Emory University, Yerkes Primate Research Center, and Morehouse School of Medicine. Later, she served as a lobbyist for the Georgia League of Women Voters at the Georgia Legislature, combining her intellect with her deep commitment to democracy and justice.

Betty's life was marked by service, action, and compassion. A tireless volunteer, she gave herself fully to her community. In Mineola, Texas, she served for 25 years as a Court Appointed Special Advocate (CASA) for children in the foster system-the longest-serving advocate in the program's history-supporting 27 children across 16 cases. She also volunteered with A Pet's SPCA and various neighborhood associations. In New Braunfels, where she lived in her final years, she participated in RSVP America Reads, continuing to foster education and connection.

From 1983 to 1996 in Atlanta, she was a vital force in civic life, contributing to many organizations. As Georgia LWV's lobbyist, Betty was one of the strongest allies with Common Cause Georgia in the fight for clean, open government. She played an essential role in convincing legislators to support the bill, using her calm intelligence and personal charm to reach them. Her commitment to civic responsibility was matched by her personal warmth, love of dogs, passion for the opera, and a sharp, inquisitive mind.

Betty's life was rich with love and family. She was preceded in death by her husband, Richard "Dick" Groepper, whom she married in 1967; her sister, Shirley (Tumbleson) Chadwick; her parents, Laura (Boyer) and Corky Tumbleson; and her grandson, Aidan Glenn McGonagle.

She is survived by her daughters and their families: Karin Groepper, Chris Lykins, and Courtney Lykins, of New Braunfels, Texas; and Sara and Chris Cotter of Austin, Texas. She is also lovingly remembered by her stepchildren and their families: Rhea (Groepper) and Phil Pettit of Pflugerville, Texas; Rich and Becky Groepper of Grand Junction, Colorado; and Dionne (Groepper) and Dave Dumitru of Moncton, New Brunswick, Canada. Her grandchildren Claire Roeland of Austin, TX, Cole Lykins of San Marcos, TX, Joanna Groepper of Phoenix, Arizona; Afton Pospisilova of Hotchkiss, Colorado; and Dylan Dumitru of Ottawa, Ontario, Canada will carry on her legacy of curiosity, compassion, and courage.

She also leaves behind many beloved nieces, nephews, and cousins, as well as countless friends and colleagues who were touched by her wisdom, wit, and generous spirit.

No matter where Betty was, she built community and made a difference. She approached life with a sense of adventure and a steadfast belief that one person could indeed change the world, not with words alone, but through purposeful and sustained action.

She will be deeply missed and forever remembered.

Her Celebration of Life is planned for September 27, 11am at the Wood County Arboretum in Quitman, Texas. https://www.quitmanarboretum.com/

In lieu of flowers, please consider donations to CASA For Kids of East Texas. https://casaforkidsofet.org/ (Please note the type of recognition and Betty's name in the donation's "comments" section.)