Betty C. England

Betty Clark England, a native of Sylacauga, Alabama; long-time resident of Birmingham, Alabama; and recent resident of Panama City Beach, Florida, passed away in her home on Monday, September 5, 2016 surrounded by her loving family and friends. She is preceded in death by her husband of 53 years, Vergil Tennis England, Sr.; her sister, Elaine Owens; her parents, Arlin and Dovie Clark; and her step-mother, Nell Clark. Remaining to celebrate her life are her three children: Vergil Tennis England, Jr. (Becky), Teresa Sabens (Stan), and Tina Murphy (Patrick); nine grandchildren: Jeanine North (Eric), Christina Livengood (John), Clark Murphy, Matthew England, Clint Russell (Krystal), Everett Murphy, Daniel England, Blase Murphy, and Michelle Peterson (Michael); her great-grandson, Nathan England; her brother, Charles Eugene Clark (Carolyn); her sister, Clara Jones (Max); and a host of dear in-laws, nieces, nephews, other family members and friends.

For eleven years, Betty dedicated herself to raising her “babies” and taking care of the home for her family. Once her three children were older and more self-sufficient, she (with her husband’s strong encouragement) decided to go to college to become a teacher. She enrolled in the newly-opened Jefferson State Junior College in 1964. She then proceeded to Birmingham Southern College and graduated Cum Laude with a degree in Education. “Mrs. England” taught middle school in the Tarrant School System for 27 years leaving a legacy of mentorship for hundreds of students…many of whom continued to visit her long after they had left her classes. She retired in 1995 and eventually moved with her husband to their vacation home in Panama City Beach. As her own children and grandchildren will attest, she had a special gift with children always seeing their special talents and needs. Her magical dimpled smile and twinkling crystal blue eyes had a way of charming all that crossed her path. She is now and will be greatly missed!

Oakwood Memorial Gardens & Ridout’s Funeral Home at 2029 Decatur Highway in Gardendale, Alabama will be providing services. The visitation will be held on Friday, September 9th from 6:00 PM to 8:00 PM. Her life celebration/funeral will be conducted on Saturday, September 10th at 11:00 AM. The family wishes to extend heartfelt gratitude to their friends, Dottie Tucker, Alice Clay, and the Emerald Coast Hospice staff for the love and special care they provided.