Record details
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I was born fourth of five children to parents who were embarrassed by the fact that they had both dropped out of school at sixth grade to help on their family’s farms. They were determined that their children would do better. It was never even up for discussion whether or not my siblings and I would all get college educations – it was just understood.
I am thankful my folks took that approach. It changed my life.
We lived in a small community near Tyler, and I attended school there. I graduated the Valedictorian of my class, but with only 13 of us in the class, it was nothing to brag about, especially since all of us were woefully under-prepared for college. I had not been offered science classes in high school, had just one semester of math, and I had never even heard of a research paper!
However, I had seen the beautiful TJC campus and what’s more – the Apache Belles –and WOW- that was where I wanted to go. Most people say their life began on a certain day in time, their birth date, but my life really began when I became a student at TJC.
I’m glad they didn’t have S.A.T. tests for admissions in those days or I would have tested S.A.D!!! Fortunately, I didn’t realize how under-prepared I really was when I enrolled at TJC – and behold – I found the classes to be exciting and wonderful. Under the patient, kind yet firm guidance of the great teachers at TJC, I came to know the joys of acquiring knowledge and widening my horizons. And yes, even with two left feet – I did join the Apache Belles. At the end of the first semester, I was asked to join Phi Theta Kappa – the academic honor society. Great TJC teachers like Jean Browne, Mildred Stringer and many more helped transform a naive country girl into a scholar who could compete anywhere. I believe that is what TJC has always has done best – take people as they are and lift them up to the level where they need to be in order to be successful.
In looking back, the two years at TJC were among the happiest of my life. The good friends I made, the camaraderie we enjoyed, the discipline and challenges of my studies, the overall feeling of good will and pride that prevailed – all these factors melded into giving me great self-satisfaction and sense of accomplishment.
I am so thankful I chose TJC and that TJC wrapped its arms around me educationally and socially.
After graduation, I moved on to a four-year college where I earned my B.S. with a double major in education and business. Later on, I attended another university for work on a master’s degree, but I never again, in either the bachelor’s or master’s programs, found the marvelous spirit that sets TJC above other schools.
I’m not one to bare my soul, but any mother would surely realize what the death of a son can do. Our loss of Pat still cuts like a knife, and not a day goes by that we don’t think of him. There are many worthy organizations in this community, but we decided to give all of Pat’s worldly goods and trust funds to TJC, in his memory. He loved people and he loved sports. I’m comforted that through TJC, his life will continue to touch the lives of others and help them build a brighter future, just as my future was so positively influenced many years ago.
- Biography
- TJC Hero and Friend Billie Hartley has been very active in the community but is also a very private person. Although reluctant to talk about herself, TJC’s persistence paid off. Of the two kinds of people we at TJC have met (those who do the work and those who take the credit), TJC’s Billie Hartley always prefers to be in that smaller, first group. Nevertheless, special awards and recognition she has received in recent years include: Exemplary Leadership in the Arts, Texas College, 1998; The Women of Distinction, New Days Ministry, 2005; T. B. Butler Award, Tyler’s Most Outstanding Citizen (co-recipient with Mr. Hartley), 1991; East Texas Communities Foundation Philanthropy Award (co-recipient with Mr. Hartley), 2001; and the Flame of Excellence Award, All Saints Episcopal School (co-recipient with Mr. Hartley), 2004. She is former President of Tyler Rose Museum, Inc. and currently serves as Vice President. Billie Hartley will receive the TJC Distinguished Alumna award for 2009 during next weekend’s homecoming festivities.
