Mary’s Obituary Mrs. Mary Lee Jackson Bettis, age 101, a native of the Rockville Community of Jackson, Alabama and a resident of Jackson, AL was born August 3, 1917 to the parentage of the late Mr. Johnny Jackson and the late Mrs. Pearlie Young Jackson. She departed this life at her home on January 11, 2019. Mrs. Bettis united with Mt.
Olive #1 Baptist Church in the Rockville Community at an early age. Upon being united in holy matrimony to the late Mr. Jessie Bettis, the family relocated to Jackson, AL where she joined her husband as a member of Star of Zion African Methodist Episcopal Zion Church. At Star of Zion she served faithfully as a Deaconess, Missionary Worker in the WH&OM (Women Home and Overseas Missions), and a Stewardess.
She sincerely loved her church and her pastor, Reverend Carrie Ervin, who officially proclaimed Mrs. Bettis as Mother of the Church. After working many years in the Clarke County School System, she retired as a custodian at Harper Middle School. Mrs. Bettis mentored and inspired teachers and students who shared a mutual love throughout her life time.
Lovingly known as “Mae Lee”, she was kind, generous compassionate, wise, and loving. She loved the Lord and gave genuine love to her family, friends, neighbors and all who knew her. When in good health she enjoyed taking care of her grandchildren, cooking, and is remembered by all the neighborhood children for her delicious meals, kind heart and warm hospitality.
She also enjoyed, fishing, traveling, socializing, watching her birds, watching television, and she never missed listening to Spiritual Time Radio Ministry on Sunday morning. Her mind and memory were unbelievably sharp, and her words and wisdom were brutally honest. As matriarch of both the Jackson and Bettis families, the phrase “in-law” was non-existent to her.
She was “Mom’, “Grandmother”, “Aunt Mae Lee”, “Friend” and “Neighbor” to many who will always love, adore and respect her. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband, Jessie Bettis; two sons, Otis Jackson and Larry James, and a step-daughter, Eunice Bettis; and three grandsons, Paul Edward Poole, Kwaurence James, and Jason Baker. Unforgettable and precious memories are pondered in the hearts of her loving and devoted children; four sons, Edward Jackson (wife, Regina) of Bessemer, AL; John Bettis (wife, Debbie) of Far Rockaway, NY; Danny Bettis (wife, Barbara) of Los Angeles, CA; Edward James (wife, Sherrita) of Jackson, AL; one daughter, Marye Bettis Law (husband, Fletcher) of Pelham, AL; 21 grandchildren, 26 great-grandchildren, one great-great-granddaughter, and a host of nieces, three devoted, Liz Burrell, Mary Francis Sims, and Shelia Heartfield; nephews, other relatives and friends, including long-time and devoted friends, Mrs. Martha Parker, Mrs. Louise Vaughn, Mrs. Deloris Jenkins Johnson, Mrs. Zeola Donald, Mrs. Dorothy Dubose; Joe and Yolanda Rembert, and Parish Ezell; god-daughter, Regina Creer; god-son, Maurice Hamilton; God-sent children, Milton and Jennifer Colston and family, and Jerry Wayne Jordon; Angel caretakers, Pamela Porter and Sherrita James.
Viewing, Friday, Jan. 18, 2019, 3-6pm at Andrews Funeral Home, 800 Depot Road, Jackson, AL; viewing Saturday, Jan. 19, 2019, 11am until the 12 noon service at Jackson High School Auditorium, 321 Stanley Drive, Jackson, AL; Rev.
Carrie Ervin, (Mrs. Bettis’ pastor) will deliver the eulogy. Following the burial ceremony in Woodlawn Cemetery, family and friends will fellowship in the dining hall of Star of Zion AME Zion Church, Depot Road, Jackson, Al. Services with sympathetic care and legendary professionalism entrusted to Andrews Funeral Home, 800 Depot Road, Jackson, AL.
Condolences to the family at www. andrewsfuneralhomejackson.com and on Andrews Funeral Home Facebook page.
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