She was preceded in death by her husband Kennith Thomas and a son-in-law, Ronnie Brown.
Betty is survived by her daughter Sue Sellers (and her husband Rev. Steve Sellers); her granddaughter Leslie Pendergrass (and her husband Joshua) and grandson Heath Brown (and his wife Cynthia); 5 great-grandchildren Thomas Pendergrass and Brandon, Addison, Madison, and John Howard Brown. Betty is also survived by special family friends Bill and Mona Fulmer and Margie Tolbert and numerous other relatives, friends, loving caregivers who were faithful to her over the past several years, and students who will carry on her legacy.
Betty was a graduate of Phillips High School in Birmingham and received a bachelor’s degree from Birmingham Southern College and a master’s degree from the University of Alabama in Birmingham. Betty was a teacher with Jefferson County for 31 years, 29 of which were at Hewitt-Trussville High School where she taught math. She sponsored the Math Team and was passionate about teaching and striving for excellence. Betty Jean was also a skilled seamstress and an avid reader. She was a devoted follower of Jesus Christ and member of Cedar Mount Baptist Church. She was a loving mom, wife, and grandma who will be deeply missed.
A visitation for Betty will be held Tuesday, August 7, 2018, from 5:00 PM to 8:00 PM at Ridout's Trussville Chapel, 1500 Gadsden Hwy, Birmingham, AL. A funeral service will be held Wednesday, August 8, 2018, at 11:00 AM at Ridout's Trussville Chapel with burial to follow at Cedar Mount Baptist Church Cemetery, Pinson, AL.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Alabama Baptist Children's Homes & Family Ministries and/or St. Jude Children's Research Hospital in memory of Betty Jean.
