Obituary of Phoebe Carole Burch Procter

Phoebe Procter, 91, died peacefully in her sleep at home on March 2, 2023 with complications from two strokes in 2020.

Daughter of Viola and Hobson Burch, Phoebe was born in McAllen but grew up in Austin where she graduated from Austin High School.  Austin High is where Phoebe first met her future husband of nearly sixty years, Ben H. Procter, who, being several years older, facetiously “couldn’t recall” meeting her at a high school party.  She went on to receive a bachelor of science degree in home economics from the University of Texas where she was a member of Alpha Chi Omega and a UT cheerleader.

Phoebe and Ben moved to Fort Worth in 1957, he to teach history at TCU and she to teach young children at a pre-K school near campus.  They joined the University Christian Church where Phoebe would later serve on the executive board of the Christian Women’s Fellowship.  Phoebe had numerous personal interests and community involvements including: The Scott Theater, Cliburn, Casa Manana, Ms. Texas pageant, Fort Worth Women’s Club, Junior League, Friends of the Library (FW and TCU), and the Panhellenic Association.  Though not a golfer, she so enjoyed the Colonial tournament that she joined friends in volunteering to shuttle pro golfers to and from the airport, marched with “Arnie’s Army,” and for nearly thirty years, attended the Masters where she made new and enduring friendships.

Always welcoming guests into her home, Phoebe loved to entertain, whether social, professional, students, neighborhood, birthdays, or holidays – she was prepared.  And she was ready to decorate tirelessly every possible nook and cranny.  Above all, she was integral to her husband’s research, writing, and academic career.  They spent many decades together happily traveling to countless universities, libraries, conferences, and conventions around the country.  Phoebe will be sorely missed by those whose lives she touched with her vibrant and joyful spirit.

A private service was held March 5.

She is survived by her beloved son, Ben R. Procter, and cousins, Pam Atkins Legett (h. Rey) and Ron Atkins (w. Lora).