Betty Lou Moore Hathaway

Betty Lou Moore Hathaway passed away on April 7, 2026, at the age of 93. She was born on January 8, 1933, in Henderson, Texas, to Reece Elree and Frances Willene Moore. Her father was an oilman who worked the fields of East Texas, and their primary home was in Minden, Louisiana. Betty Lou held many cherished memories of growing up in a small town, surrounded by wonderful people who poured themselves into the life of their community.

At the age of 16, she began attending Louisiana Tech University, where at 17, she met the love of her life, Donald Edgar Hathaway. They treasured their time at Louisiana Tech, serving in leadership roles and forming lifelong friendships. Don taught Betty to dance, and they loved being on the dance floor together, where they became known as exceptional dancers.

Following her graduation from college, Betty Lou and Don were married in 1953. While Don was completing his service in the United States Navy, their first daughter, Bridget Moore Hathaway, was born in Portsmouth, Virginia. After returning to Shreveport, they joyfully welcomed two more children into their family, Paige Moore Hathaway and Donald Edgar Hathaway, Jr.

In addition to managing a loving and active home, Betty Lou was a devoted supporter of Don’s career in public service. Don often said that when Betty attended campaign meetings and rallies, half the votes he received were really for her. Together, they shared a full and meaningful life and were blessed with nearly 73 years of marriage. They were longtime members of Noel Methodist Church.

Betty Lou was energized by her love of travel. She especially cherished her adventures with her dear friend, Katharine Caruthers. With Katharine behind the wheel and Betty as the navigator, long before GPS, the two shared many meaningful journeys filled with laughter, memorable adventures, and humorous predicaments.

Another dear friend, Pat Graham, shared Betty’s love of sewing, books, and intellectual conversation. Their families enjoyed a lifelong friendship, including many treasured vacations, creating memories that would last a lifetime.

For the past three years, Betty Lou and Don made their home at The Glen, where they reconnected with old friends and formed new ones. The family is deeply grateful for the kindness and care shown to them on a daily basis.

As a woman of faith, Betty Lou believed the words of II Corinthians 5:8: “To be absent from the body is to be present with the Lord.” She now rests in her eternal home in heaven.

Betty Lou was preceded in death by her parents, Reece Elree Moore and Frances Willene Moore, her sister, Bobbie Ruth Pruitt, and son-in-law, Michael James Bell. She is survived by her husband, Donald Edgar Hathaway and her children, Bridget Hathaway Bell and her sons, Andrew Forrest Bell (Anna and Elias), John Hathaway Bell ( Lindsey, Sophia, Scout and Toby), Paige Hathaway Wolfe and LTC (ret) William Roy Wolfe III and their children, Hannah Hathaway Wolfe (Brian, John Brian and Jacob), Ella Elizabeth Wolfe (Jeffrey and Kynadie) and William Roy Wolfe IV (Dr. Wen Wen), Judge Donald Edgar Hathaway, Jr. and Camille LaTour Hathaway (Dr. Donald Edgar Hathaway III and Thomas George Hathaway).

A service celebrating her life will be held at Noel Methodist Church, 520 Herndon Street, Shreveport, Louisiana, 71101, on Friday, April 10, at 11:00 a.m. Visitation will be held in the sanctuary prior to the service at 10:00 a.m. After the service, a reception will be held in the church parlor.

If desired, memorials may be made to Noel Methodist Church or to a charity of your choice.