Betty Ann Brown Hambrick

Everyone who ever met her instantly recognized her sweetness and the goodness of her heart. She was born February 13, 1931 to Faye and Ikie Brown of Pensacola, the middle child between two brothers – Kenny and Richie. Betty is survived by her husband of 66 years, Charles Hambrick, her sister-in-law, Virginia L. Hambrick and her nieces and nephews – Jack Moore, Helen Moore, Don Hambrick, Bob Hambrick, Nettie Chris Vinsonhaler, Man Martin, and Robert E. Brown.

After graduating from Pensacola High in 1949, Betty went to work at First Florida National Bank on Palafox Street where everyone knew her as “Brownie.” One day a friend brought in a young man who had a kind smile, named Charlie. His first words to her were, "Hello Beautiful,” and they fell in love. They married May 26, 1951.

After working at the bank, Betty joined the Federal Civil Service, eventually working for the Department of Defense Personnel Office. In her role there, she advocated mightily for the rights of women and minorities and was instrumental in seeing to it that women crewmembers were allowed on nuclear submarines. After hearing repeatedly there was no place on a sub to house women, she called the designer of the sub. He helped her locate an area that women could occupy without shocking the sensibilities of the then male-only crew.

Indeed, she herself was the first woman to board a nuclear submarine and was even allowed to bring it to the surface in the Pacific, proving that women could run sea-tests and hence receive higher pay.

She loved the song “Paper Moon,” and azaleas, and sailing and water skiing. She loved the beach and the Smoky Mountains. She loved people and they loved her back.

Betty’s Episcopal memorial service will begin at 10:00 AM on Monday, April 24, 2017, at Oak Lawn Funeral Home, located at 619 New Warrington Road, Pensacola, FL 32506. Reverend Martha Kreamer will officiate. Friends may visit Betty’s family at Oak Lawn Funeral Home from 9:00-10:00 AM on that day. A private inurnment will follow at the Barrancas National Cemetery, Naval Air Station, Pensacola.

In lieu of flowers donations may be made to Emerald Coast Hospice or condolences to Charles E. Hambrick at Emerald Gardens, 1012 N 72nd Ave, Pensacola, FL 32506. Betty’s family would like to thank EG staff for their care of Betty Ann Brown Hambrick.