Betty A. Scharf

Betty Sentell Scharf, 81, of Hoover, Alabama, peacefully passed away on Sunday, March 14, 2021 when she heard her loving Savior call her name. “This is the day that the Lord has made, I will be glad and rejoice in it.” Psalms 118:24

Betty was born in Ashland, Alabama on May 18, 1939 to the late J.W. Sentell and Nettie C. Sentell. She is preceded in death by her sister, Marie S. Belcher.

Betty graduated from Clay County High School in 1957. She continued her education at Howard College (Samford University) where she graduated with a Bachelor of Science in 1961. She went on to obtain a Master’s degree from the University of Alabama in 1964.

Betty met Jerry, the love of her life, the summer of their junior year of high school. They reunited in college and were married in 1962 in Ashland, Alabama. They were blessed with two wonderful sons, Stephen and Brian. Betty was passionate about being a mother, and later a grandmother to five grandchildren. She enjoyed traveling to many places with her family and friends.

Betty was a lifelong educator who began her teaching career in the Sylacauga school system and later served as the Director of Kindergarten at Green Valley Baptist Church.

She faithfully served as a Sunday school teacher, GA leader, marriage counselor, and choir member at Green Valley Baptist Church for many years. She also served with the Green Valley Baptist Encouragers and as a volunteer for their Food Bank. Later, as a member of Lakeside Baptist Church, she sang in the senior choir.

She was a member of the Hoover Service Club where she was invested in helping promote better education and citizenship for Hoover residents.

Betty is survived by her husband of 58 years Jerry L. Scharf, her son Stephen and his wife, Suzanne (Hoover, Alabama), her son Brian and his wife, Angela (Birmingham, Alabama), five grandchildren: Alyssa, Ashley, Mary Glynn, David, and Daniel. She is survived by her two brothers Lee Sentell and Johnie Sentell.

The family will receive friends and family on Saturday, March 20 from 9-10:00 a.m. with a service to follow at 10:00 a.m. at Southern Heritage Funeral Home—475 Cahaba Valley Road, Pelham, AL 35124. A graveside service will be held in Ashland, Alabama at 2:00 p.m. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to a mission-oriented ministry of your choice.