Bettie Jean Edwards was born September 26, 1947, in Erie Pennsylvania. She is the eldest daughter of George Edwards Sr. and Idonia Grace Clark.
Bettie attended the public school system in Erie, PA until her family relocated to Rochester, NY. There she graduated in 1965 from Madison High School. One of Bettie’s proudest moments was when she attended the March on Washington in 1965.
Thereafter, Bettie received her AS in Geriatrics and Drug and Alcohol Counseling, and her BSW from Nazareth University. Dedicated to children, Bettie served as Associate Director of the Early Childhood
Development Center and became the Director of the Lewis Street Child Care Center where she served until 1997. Subsequently, Bettie continued to use her skills to branch out as a consultant for social services and advocate for children.
Bettie was baptized at an early age at the Antioch Missionary Baptist Church in Erie, PA. As a youth, she served on the Junior Usher Board and was active in the church’s youth department. Upon moving to Rochester Bettie continued her church activities at Holy Trinity Missionary Baptist Church. When the family became members of the Mt. Vernon Missionary Baptist Church under the pastorate of Rev. J. D. Jackson, Sr., she again became very active and served in many different capacities, including Announcement Clerk, Sunday School Teacher, Missionary Society member, and the founding Chairperson of the Transportation Committee. Additionally, her service extended to the Great Lakes Baptist Association where she served as a teacher, and as the Financial Secretary to the Parent Body. Bettie was also a faithful attendee at the National Baptist Convention’s Congress of Christian Education for many years. Not only was she active in her church, she was a member of several civic organizations. She served as the financial secretary for The Improved Benevolent Protective Order Elks of the World Eldorado Temple #32, and the Directress of Education Department for the New York State Association. Her highest honor was being appointed Daughter Ruler of her local chapter. Bettie was also a member of the Eureka Grand Chapter Prince Hall Order of Eastern Stars Incorporated Estella Chapter #7. As an active member of this chapter, she was the Worthy Matron and Past Worthy Matron.
Bettie was a voracious reader who loved cooking, making ribbon crosses, board games, card games, the blues, studying the Bible and Broadway shows. God called her home on April 2, 2026 Bettie is predeceased by her mother, Mrs. Idonia Clark, and her father Mr. George Edwards, Sr. She leaves to cherish and celebrate her life son, Dirk D. (Michelle) Edwards of Pipestone, MN, and daughter Alia J. Corker – Edwards of Rochester, NY; brother George (Mussarat) Edwards, Jr. of Tampa, FL.; sisters Dr. Idonia M. (Clifton) Owens of Rochester, NY; and Dorcas C. Clark of Savannah, GA; grandsons D’Andre Brandt of Pipestone, MN; and Donovan C. Brown of Rochester, NY; favorite cousins Marvin Grace of Detroit, MI, and Eveleen Watson of Erie, PA; a host of nieces and nephews; a caring pastor and church family; and many other friends and family.
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You have my deepest sympathy and condolences during this difficult time.
She was Betty a dear friend who I always able to talk. When she would ask me to do something it may taken a minute but I did it. I also serve under her leadership of the Transportation Committee for many years and because of her I still drive, her passion was help them get to church those that don’t have a ride pick them up with a Smile. I am gonna miss her and she won’t be forgotten. Love you Ms Bettie
Deepest sympathies for your family. Your strength and comfort are in my prayers.
Ms. Betty was my boss at Lewis Street Child Care Center. She held a standard, professionalism and commitment to our youth.! After relocating to Buffalo, I was able to speak with her occasionally and found the conversations a blessing. I will certainly miss picking up the phone just to hear her voice and share experiences working with our youth. Prayers are extended for the family as you go through this season of bereavement.