Betty Jane Bernstein

Betty Jane Bernstein was born March 29, 1926, in Kelly, Louisiana to James A. Duke and Gladys H. Duke, and passed away peacefully, Wednesday, August 4, 2021, in Shreveport, Louisiana. Betty Jane was her father's little girl. She often told stories of riding with him as he drove a school bus during the Great Depression, and of her beloved German Shepherd dog, Nip, that arrived in a crate at the railroad depot. She received her undergraduate degree from Louisiana Tech University, where she met her future husband, Henry Bernstein III. He came through the line while she was working at registration. While at Louisiana Tech, Betty Jane joined Alpha Chi Omega Sorority and was active for many years as an alumna. She taught school in Port Arthur, Texas and married Teddy, August 19, 1949. Teddy's career took them to many cities over the years including Westlake, Lake Charles and New Orleans, Louisiana, Tulsa, Oklahoma and ultimately to Houston, Texas, where she and Teddy made their home for over 25 years. Betty Jane and Teddy were active members of Lakewood United Methodist Church in Houston, and loved their years there, making many close friends and enjoying supper clubs, tennis, and walking. Together BJ and Teddy traveled the world, often in the company of her sister and brother and their spouses. In later years, she and Teddy resided in Shreveport, Louisiana at the communities of The Oaks of Louisiana and The Glen Retirement System. She is preceded in death by her parents; her loving husband, Henry Bernstein III; brother-in-law, Wayne Franks; and sisters-in-law Mary Elizabeth Duke and Cherry Louise Gulledge. Left to cherish her memory are her sons, Henry Milling Bernstein and wife, Linda Grayson of Shreveport, LA and James Scott Bernstein and wife, Susan Dubois of Raleigh, NC; grandchildren, Amanda Hall and Ivan Nicholas and his children, Sadie and Caleb Nicholas; sister, Mary Jo Franks; brother, James William Duke; and numerous nieces, nephews and cousins. A private graveside service will be held at a later date in Riverview Cemetery in Monroe, Louisiana. Her family especially wish to thank the staff of the Cottages at The Glen for their many years of care and friendship to Betty Jane, and Dr. Richard Sipes, M.D. for his care and wisdom. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests a donation may be made to Louisiana Tech University Foundation, Marbury Alumni Center, P.O. Box 3183, Ruston, Louisiana 71272 or to the charity of the donor's choice.