Betty Jane Shanks Lippman
HAR extends condolences to family, friends and colleagues of longtime member Betty Jane Shanks Lippman, 91, who died from Alzheimer’s disease on Sept 21, 2023. Betty served the Clear Lake real estate market for more than 30 years with daughter Rachel under the RE/MAX Bay Area-NASA banner.
Betty was born on June 1, 1932, the middle child of Allah Shanks Cowen and adoptive father Grady Shanks. She was a 1950 graduate of Freeport High School.
Betty married Mike Thomas, the father of her first born. They traveled with Chicago Bridge and Iron for several years. She led an eventful life, never slowing. With the love of her life second husband, Gerald (Jerry) Lippman, they had two children. The family spent 16 years in San Jose, Costa Rica, where Jerry and his family owned and operated a seafood exporting business. They moved back to the U.S. so their girls could be raised as American citizens. While in San Jose, Betty made many friends, was president of the International Women’s Club in 1971, co-produced several plays, and was proud to blend her voice with the Sweet Adelines on local TV. After the family relocated to Ft. Lauderdale, Florida, she earned her real estate license.
Betty was preceded in death by her mother, Allah Shanks Cowen and adoptive father, Grady Shanks; her first husband, Mike Thomas; loving husband of 29 years, Gerald (Jerry) Lippman; granddaughter, Melissa Smith; grandson, Joshua Beck and brother-in-law, John Lindsey.
She leaves behind her three daughters, Betty Lou Thomas, Stephanie Lippman Beck, Rachel Lippman Willis (Jeramie); grandchildren, Jessica Smith, Conner Willis, Amber Castro, Autumn Beck (John); brother, Robert Shanks (Mary) and sister, Esther Shanks Lindsey; great-grandchildren, Benjamin Castro, Diego Castro , and Milo Castro; many nieces and nephews, cousins, and son-in-law, Theron Beck; and best friend, Shirley Ham.
A memorial service was held at Restwood Memorial Park in Clute, Texas on October 13, 2023.
Patricia Short
HAR extends condolences to family, friends and colleagues of member Patricia Short, 72, who died on October 20, 2023 after a battle with cancer. Patricia was with Keller Williams Signature for 13 years, and before that, spent 10 years with RE/MAX Fry Road before it became Keller Williams Signature. Patricia was married to broker/associate Victor Short, who owns Katy Property Management at Keller Williams Signature. Patricia was born on September 1, 1951. A Celebration of Life was held on November 4, 2023 in Richmond, Texas.
Member obituaries and visitation/funeral arrangements for posting on HAR’s Members Only Portal and in the Houston REALTOR® may be sent to David Mendel at david.mendel@har.com.
