Mable A. Betts

Sunrise: On July 28, 1935, in Roanoke Rapids, North Carolina, God blessed the world with the life of Mable Virginia Alston, the beloved daughter of Walter and Mattie Alston. She was the eldest of three children and the cherished sister to her two younger brothers, Raymond and Eddie L. Alston, who both preceded her in death.

From the very beginning, Mable’s life was guided by faith, love, and service. She accepted Christ at an early age, and throughout her journey, she lived as a devoted servant of the Lord. While living in Germany, she served faithfully as President of the Women of the Protestant Chapel. Later, in Belleville, Illinois, Scott A.F.B., she was honored to serve as Worthy Matron of the Guiding Light Chapter #148 of Eastern Star (PHA). For many years, she walked alongside her husband, William Betts, in ministry, serving as a dedicated Deacon’s wife in Texas, Hawaii, Illinois, and Alabama.

A Life of Love and Joy:

In her youth, Mable’s many gifts shone brightly. She was a talented hairdresser at Hampton Institute, where she not only blessed others with her creativity but also found joy in helping G.I.s learn to dance at the USO. It was there that she met the love of her life, William Betts. Together, they built a remarkable legacy of love, marriage, and service. Married for 66 years, William and Mable shared countless adventures, including winning dance competitions around the world as William fulfilled 58 years of military and federal service.

Mable’s heart was filled with joy for the simple things—sewing, dancing, playing cards, and styling hair. Yet, above all, she treasured her family and the many people God placed in her life.

Family and Legacy:

William and Mable were blessed with four children: Jacquelyn (Rufus) Brown of Camden, NJ; Michel Betts Berry of Belleville, IL (deceased); Dr. Tina (Kenneth) Baker of Pike Road, AL; and Angela (Joseph) Harrison of Wetumpka, AL. Along life’s journey, she also lovingly embraced and nurtured children of her heart: Dr. JL Kemp (Terry) Simmons, Dwayne (Felicia) Hillard, Gayle (Bill) Lane, and Mark “Marcus Jamal” Taylor.

Mable’s legacy continues through her nine beloved grandchildren: JarDaine Brown, Darius Brown, Tiffany (Curtis) Simmons, Stephanie (Cyrille) Attobra, Robert L. Davis III, Travis J. Davis, RoShawn Betts Berry, Michel J. Betts Berry, and Julious C. Love; as well as her many great-grandchildren, nieces, nephews, extended family, and dear lifelong friends.

Sunset: On September 28, 2025, Mable peacefully entered her eternal rest, having lived a life full of love, service, and faith. She leaves behind a legacy that will forever be cherished and celebrated by all who knew her.

Her favorite scripture is a reminder of the eternal promise she now enjoys:

"In my Father's house are many mansions: if it were not so, I would have told you. I go to prepare a place for you. And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again and receive you unto myself; that where I am, there ye may be also."~ John 14:2-3

Though her earthly journey has ended, her spirit lives on in the hearts of her family and all who were blessed by her love. We rejoice in knowing that she now rests safely in the arms of the Lord, reunited with loved ones gone before, and awaiting the day we shall all meet again.

Mable will Lay In State at St. James Baptist Church, located at 491 St James Church Loop, Pike Road, AL 36064, on October 4, 2025, from 10:00 am to 11:00 am. The Celebration of Life service will follow at the same venue, beginning at 11:00 am as well as a Graveside Service at Alabama Heritage Funeral Home, located at 10505 Atlanta Highway, Montgomery, AL 36117.