Betty was born on March 10, 1939 in Bainbridge, GA to Fitcher and Madie Helms. She graduated from Florida State University in 1961 with a Bachelor of Science Degree in Elementary Education. Betty married Bill Applewhite in 1962.
After graduating she taught school in Jacksonville and Daytona Beach, FL before returning to Tallahassee to become an owner/operator of Toddletime Learning Center. After selling Toddletime in 1990 she joined the Florida Department of Education and continued working there until her retirement in 2006. After retiring she worked part time as a reading coach with Leon County Schools.
Betty had a love and passion for teaching children and being a lifelong educator. She enjoyed reading, traveling, and spending time with family.
In addition to her husband, Bill Applewhite, and parents, her sister, Patricia Tricquet, preceded her in death. Survivors include her son, William Nathan (Nat) Applewhite, Jr. and wife Lauren of Tallahassee, her granddaughter, Emma Kate Applewhite and numerous nieces and nephews.
Private family services will be held.
