Garland And Rockwall Music Teachers Killed In Sunday Crash Remembered By Students

Music Teachers Killed In Storm Remembered By Students

By Stephanie Lucero, CBS 11 News

January 12, 2011 5:49 PM

Filed under

Local, News

ROCKWALL (CBSDFW.COM) – James and Laci Betterton both had a passion for music and they taught elementary school children at two different schools. But the couple died Sunday in a head-on collision in during the height of the snow storm.

The wreck happened along State Highway 66 in Caddo Mills at about 11:30am. The driver of the other vehicle was not injured.

Teachers and students of Pullen Elementary School in Rockwall where 25-year-old Mrs. Betterton taught say she was an inspirational music teacher who made learning fun.

“She taught us the music with games” says fourth grader KK Tunnell.

“Laci just had great passion for music and for children” says Michele Ratcliffe, whose two daughters attend Pullen.

23-year-old James Betterton taught at Freeman Elementary School in Garland and school officials say he just started teaching there five days ago.

The funeral for the Betterton’s will be held Thursday at Forest Home Baptist Church in Kilgore. The burial will will at Danville Cemetery.

Music Teachers Killed In Storm Remembered By Students

Christi shannon

James was at Freeman elementary for 3 months! We loved him dearly! he was very inspirational to the students and staff!
Mary Robertson

They were very good friends with my son Eric. James was a regular at my home. They were both amazing people and are going to be missed dearly. The room would light up when the entered. They were the perfect completion of each other. Enjoy Heaven
Makenna Preville

I miss you Mrs. Betterton. You were the best music teacher and an inspiration. I hope you have fun singing with the angels in heaven. Love, Makenna
Amy Efeney

Laci was more than a music teacher. She was my friend, my colleague, and my light every morning. I am grateful for every day, every laugh, and every crazy day we had. She adored James, as he did her. The songbirds are lucky. Love, Amy
George Betterton

My older brother was James dad. We just received the news friday. Im gonna miss him. Wish i couldve met his wife. Im sure they made a lovely couple. We’ll see them again someday.
Debbie

Such a tragic loss. Such a sadness that regardless of divorce, hard feelings, or for whatever selfish reasons, a woman does not notify the father of his only child’s passing. VERY unchristian like behavior.

Pat

Debbie, a sperm doner does not necssarily yeild a FATHER.

pat

necessarily
Pat

spelling error…..necessarily

Catalina Keaton

Laci was not only my daughter’s favorite teacher at Pullen Elementary but a dear friend and I felt like she was my little sister. We worked together on all the concerts she put together be it the Spring concert, Christmas concert and our last memory was having Laci take the Pullen Honor choir and the 6th grade choir to Senior care facilities in Rockwall to sing for the residents. Children, music and James brought a smile to Laci’s face that would light up a room. I miss you Laci. Love, Catalina
jimmy

i will miss you mr b you were the bestest teacher ever it was fun when we played basketball and ghostbusters on basketball you always choose me in youre team i will miss you mr b