Bettye Donette Bower

It is with heavy hearts and a wealth of fond memories that we announce the passing of Dr. Bettye Donette Hamilton Bower on March 12,2026. She was surrounded by family and friends at her home. Donette was born in Jasper, Alabama on November 4, 1940 to Edith Louise Daily Hamilton and Walter Don Hamilton. They moved to Birmingham and she graduated from Woodlawn High School. Donette received her teaching degree from Samford University, her Masters AA teaching certificate from UAB and her PhD in Education from the University of Alabama. She devoted her career to public education. Donette taught all grades of the Birmingham City School System for 34 years before becoming a Program Specialist over Social Studies at the Birmingham Board of Education. She was a business owner of her company Test Taking Tactics which prepared children for taking standardized tests. Donette was a published author, writing many children’s plays for a drug free society. She wrote 4 editions of “Alabama; It’s History and Geography” which were all adopted by the State of Alabama and used in schools across the state. Donette became a Senior Curriculum Consultant, providing development workshops across the United States.

Donette married Bruce Richard Bower on March 11, 1988. They moved to Pell City where they built a home on Logan Martin Lake. Donette was a very active member of St. Simon Peter Episcopal Church. She taught Sunday school, participated in a program for abused women, women’s prison ministry, Friendship Place program for seniors, and served on the vestry. She also volunteered at the Pell City Love Pantry. She loved to sing, travel and cheer on her beloved Alabama Crimson Tide football, basketball, and softball teams. She enjoyed boating, golfing, gardening and fellowship with friends and family.

She is survived by; her husband Bruce Richard Bower, 1 brother Richard Denny Hamilton (Lynda), 2 daughters- Ginger Breckenridge (Luis), Donna Williams (Mike), 1 step son Keith Bower, 9 grandchildren- Abby Bunt (Micheal), Garrett Brown (Lizzy), Natalie Breckenridge, Amy Byrd (William), Emily Sutton (Trevor), Cheyenne Bower, Railyn Nitkowski, Nick Torres, Codie Torres, and 9 great grandchildren- Declan, Ella Reese, Avery, Marshall, Timothy, Benjamin, Joshua, Emma Glynn, Tucker.

Donette was quick witted, full of laughter, always singing & dancing and showed genuine love to all. Her legacy of education, joy, love and hope will continue to touch this world forever.

A Celebration of Life will be held at St. Simon Peter Episcopal Church on Saturday, March 21, 2026 at 1:00 pm.

In lieu of flowers, the family ask that donations can be made to St. Simon Peter Episcopal Church Music Program, 3702 Mays Bend Rd, Pell City, AL 35128.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.kilgroefh.com for the Bower family.