Bettye W. Topps

Bettye Washington Topps

January 14, 1944 – July 31, 2026

Bettye Washington Topps was born January 14, 1944, the only child born to the late Odell James Washington and Thelma Perkins Washington of Selma Alabama. She departed this life Friday, July 31, 2026, at Spring Arbor Cottage of Fredericksburg, Virginia.

She received her early education in the Public Schools of Selma, Alabama, graduating third in the class of R.B. Hudson High School in 1961 She attended Knoxville College in Knoxville, Tennessee, earning a Bachelor of Arts Degree with a certification in Teaching in May of 1965. She earned a Master of Arts Degree at George Washington University in Washington, DC.

She married the love of her life, Andrew Jackson Topps III, on January 1, 1966. To this union was born two wonderful children who brought them joy every day of their lives. The addition of a wonderful daughter-in-law and three bright and talented grandchildren were blessings from God. God further blessed Bettye with a great-grandchild.

Bettye had a varied and distinguished career. She began her teaching career in the D.C. Public Schools at Garnet-Patterson and Roper Junior High Schools where she served as a teacher of Social Studies, member of the Reading Mobilization Team, Co-Sponsor of the National Junior Honor Society and curriculum writer of the DCPS Social Studies Department. After nine years as a classroom teacher, Bettye was selected as a member of the first group of Peer Assistance Teachers serving schools in Region III of the D.C. Public Schools. In 1978 she was appointed the Assistant Principal for Instruction at Spingarn High School.

After distinguished service at Spingarn she was named Principal of William McKinley Technical High School from 1982 to 1989. From September 1989 until her retirement in 1998, Bettye served as a member of the Central Administration Staff of the D.C. Public Schools as Director of Leadership Development and Training, Director of Professional Development, Founding Executive Director of the Center for Educational Change, Executive Assistant and Senior Policy Advisor to the Superintendent of Schools/Chief State School Officer.

Following her retirement, Bettye served as an educational leadership specialist/training for several national educational organizations including The National Association Secondary School Principals, The Haberman Educational Foundation – Houston, Texas, The Modern Red School SchoolHouse – Nashville, Tennessee, and America’s Choice – Washington, D.C. Through Topps Enterprises, Inc she provided instruction and program development services to local colleges and universities based on newly developed performance standards for educational leaders.

Bettye and Andrew joined Christian service together at Peoples Congregational United Church of Christ in 1966. Over the years she served on several boards, committees and circles and supported numerous church programs and activities. She served as a member of the Church Council and the Board of Trustees, president of the Music Aid and Variety Circles, and a founding member of the Christian Social Action Committee, Vice-Chairman of the Strategic Planning Committee and member of the Peoples Church Leadership/Training Institute. She was a member of the Chancel Choir, alto section, for more than forty years.

Bettye was preceded in death by her husband, Andrew Jackson Topps III, on November 21, 2012. She leaves to mourn her passing and cherish her memory, her daughter, Audrea Reneé Topps Harjo; her son Andrew Jackson Topps IV, Esq. her daughter-in-law Jacinta White Topps, MD; her grandchildren Andrew Jackson Topps V, Carolyn Pearl Topps and Aja Reign Topps-Harjo; her great-granddaughter Sienna Pearl Topps and a host of beloved relatives and dear friends.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Alzheimer’s Association.