Born in Oklahoma Territory on a 40 acre ranch to an itenerant minister, most women Betty Stephens knew didn’t go to grade school, much less college. Despite the odds, she excelled in school and went on to earn two Master’s Degrees—one in Math, one in English.
After Graduation, Betty felt a calling into Ministry, and travelled from Oklahoma to Vancouver where she caught a steamer to China. Onboard, she met Francis Lide; they were married in transit. Once arrived, Betty and Francis learned Chinese and moved to the village that would become their home. Betty gave birth to eight children, five boys and three girls.
When WW2 broke out, the Mission Board evacuated women and children, but there was no room on the transports for men. Betty and the children moved back to America, while Francis became a POW until he was finally released back to the US. Always practical, Betty knew she couldn’t afford to send her children to college on her missionary pension, but their tuition would be free at Southern Baptist institutions. So they moved to Wake Forest, North Carolina, where each of her children walked across the street and over a stone wall to attend classes. When it came time for her oldest daughter to attend, however, Betty was told that girls were not admitted to Wake Forest. Putting on her Sunday best, Betty marched into the president’s office and refused to leave until her daughter was admitted.
Each of Betty’s children went on to get PhDs and MDs. Of her three daughters, one became a Social Worker, One a Math Professor at a distinguished university, and one a Radiologist. Two of her granddaughters also went on to become physicians.
While none of them are famous, they all contributed significantly to their communities, left a legacy of service to others and doing good in the public arena.
We have named our speaker series in her honor as we each aspire to a similar legacy of service to others, courageously following our dreams, and empowering others to succeed.
