Elizabeth Ann Misuraca-Jarrett

Elizabeth “Bettye” Misuraca, daughter of Helen Lewis and Harold Kimbrough, a devoted public servant, civic leader, humanitarian, and faithful wife, mother, sister, grandmother, great-grandmother, and devoted daughter whose life was defined by an unwavering commitment to community and public service, passed away peacefully surrounded by loved ones on March 10, 2026. She was 89 years old.

Bettye was born on July 21, 1936, in Montgomery, Alabama. A remarkable and determined young woman, she graduated from high school at just 16 years old. At 17, she migrated to Michigan, where she would go on to build an extraordinary life of leadership and service that would leave a lasting impact across Southeast Michigan.

A lifelong advocate for the people of Wayne County, Bettye dedicated more than three decades of her professional career to public service. A formidable presence in the Wayne County political landscape, she was introduced to politics through her connection with Hobart Taylor Jr., an instrumental drafter of the Civil Rights Act of 1964. Through that connection she was introduced to Lyndon B. Johnson, who later offered her a position in Washington, D.C. Though she ultimately chose to remain in Michigan, the experience helped shape what would become a lifetime devoted to public service and civic leadership.

Her career in county government began in 1963 with the Wayne County Road Commission. Over the years she rose through the ranks, serving in a variety of leadership roles and becoming a trusted advisor within county government. She ultimately served as Assistant County Executive for Legislative Affairs under Edward H. McNamara, where she worked closely with elected officials, community organizations and faith leaders to help shape policies and initiatives that benefited residents throughout Wayne County.

Following her distinguished career in county government, Bettye continued her work in public policy and advocacy, serving in government affairs for Public Service Credit Union, where she helped represent the interests of members and strengthened relationships between the credit union, policymakers, and the communities it served.

Bettye was widely respected for her ability to bring people together, build consensus, and advocate for those in need. Her work frequently extended far beyond the responsibilities of her official role; she was known for using her relationships and influence to help individuals and families navigate challenges and access opportunities.

A trailblazer in every sense of the word, Bettye also made history as the first woman accepted as a member of the Detroit Yacht Club, breaking barriers and paving the way for others.

A proud graduate of Wayne State University, Bettye remained deeply committed to education and community development throughout her life. In recognition of her decades of advocacy and leadership, a scholarship at Davenport University was established in her honor, celebrating her as a “tireless warrior” for the community.

Following her retirement from county government, Bettye remained actively engaged in civic leadership. She served as the longest-serving elected retiree member of the Wayne County Employees’ Retirement System Retirement Commission, where she represented the interests of retired county employees and worked diligently to protect the stability and integrity of the retirement system for more than 17 years.

Bettye was also a passionate advocate for arts and culture. She served as Chair of the Wayne County Art Institute Authority, helping oversee Wayne County’s portion of the regional arts millage supporting the Detroit Institute of Arts and ensuring access to arts programming for residents across the county.

Bettye’s commitment to service extended deeply into the nonprofit sector. She was a longtime board member and former chair of SHAR Inc. (Self Help Addiction Rehabilitation), where she served beginning in 1984 and helped guide the organization’s mission of supporting individuals and families affected by addiction and homelessness.

She also served on the board of Detroit Rescue Mission Ministries, one of the region’s largest organizations dedicated to providing shelter, addiction recovery services, and outreach programs for those experiencing homelessness and hardship.

A woman of deep faith, Bettye was a devoted member of Most Holy Trinity Catholic Church in Detroit, where her faith informed her lifelong dedication to compassion, service, and community. Through her commitment to the parish, she founded the Clement Father Kern Foundation through Most Holy Trinity Church in Detroit.

Beyond her many public accomplishments, Bettye’s greatest joy was her family. She was a faithful wife, loving mother, sister, devoted grandmother and great-grandmother, and a dedicated daughter who cherished her family above all else.

Bettye also had a special place in her heart for animals and was known for her love of rescuing dogs, always opening her home to those in need. She leaves behind her beloved dogs, Teddy and Sassy, who brought her great comfort and companionship.

Throughout her life, Bettye Misuraca was known for her generosity, tireless work ethic, and steadfast belief that public service was a calling. Whether advocating for working families, supporting the arts, or helping those facing hardship, she dedicated her life to lifting others and strengthening the community she loved.

She is survived by her sister, Angie Thill; her children, Denise Misuraca and John Lusk; her grandchildren, Angela Madarang and Stuart Taylor; and her great-grandchildren, Reagan Elizabeth Madarang and Leo Robert Madarang III, as well as many extended family members, friends, colleagues, and countless individuals whose lives were touched by her leadership and kindness.

She was preceded in death by her husband and the love of her life of more than 45 years, Robert Donald Jarrett.

Her legacy lives on through the institutions she strengthened, the barriers she broke, and the countless lives she touched through her extraordinary dedication to service. Above all, she will be remembered for the love she gave to her family, her faith, and the many people whose lives were forever changed by her generosity and kindness.

Visitation will take place at A. H. Peters Funeral Home, 20705 Mack Ave, Grosse Pointe Woods, MI 48236, on March 13, 2026, from 3:00 pm to 8:00 pm.

A Funeral Service will be held at Most Holy Trinity, 1050 Porter Street, Detroit, MI 48226, on March 14, 2026, at 10:30 am.