Criswell era ends at Dallas First Baptist

Posted: 8/04/06

Criswell era ends at Dallas First Baptist

By Ken Camp

Managing Editor

DALLAS—An era ended at First Baptist Church of Dallas Aug. 2. Betty Criswell, widow of legendary Pastor W.A. Criswell, died at Baylor University Medical Center of Dallas of respiratory illness at age 93.

Mrs. Criswell stood beside her husband through his early pastorates in rural Oklahoma and nearly a half-century of ministry at the downtown Dallas church.

She also taught a popular and influential Sunday school class at First Baptist Church that was broadcast regionally on radio for close to 30 years. She taught the class—attended by up to 300 people—for the last time July 9.

“She devoted herself to Dr. Criswell's gospel ministry during his life, and after his death continued to preserve his legacy through First Baptist Church and the Criswell College,” a statement posted on the church’s website said.

“‘Mrs. C’ was a blessing and a beacon to all who knew her, as well as the many thousands who listened from her radio audience. We mourn her loss as a church family and staff and celebrate her homegoing to see her Savior face to face, whom she has so wonderfully served.”

Evangelist Billy Graham—a non-resident member of First Baptist Church in Dallas—issued a statement from his home in Charlotte, N.C.: “We join in rejoicing that Betty Criswell has joined her husband in heaven at the feet of the Lord Jesus Christ, whom she has served for so long. Her tremendous ministry will be greatly missed at First Baptist Church of Dallas.”

Mrs. Criswell born in Louisville, Ky. She graduated from Western Kentucky University.

She met her future husband when he was leading a prayer service in her hometown of Mount Washington, Ky. They married in 1935 in the chapel at Southern Baptist Theological Seminary.

She was preceded in death by both her husband and their daughter, Mable Ann Criswell, in 2002. She is survived by two grandsons and their families.