Betty Jo, who we knew as "Red Fox" in which she was affectionately called was born in Camilla, Georgia on September 17, 1954, to the late Emmanuel Mells, Jr. and Alberta Mackey Mells. She was also preceded in death by her brother, Kenneth Lee Mells. She joined Mt. Bethel Church at an early age and there retained her membership.
Betty's parents moved to Fort Lauderdale, Florida where she received her formal education in the Broward County School System. She graduated from Fort Lauderdale High School and she was also enrolled in ROTC. She continued her education, graduating from St. John University of New York with a Bachelor's degree and from Boston University of Massachusetts with a Master's degree.
After her departure from college, she embarked on her career, meeting and marrying Enoch Alexander, who passed away after many years of marriage. During this union, one child, a daughter, was born. Later in her life she met and married Floyd Willis, who has been lovingly by her side until her demise.
Her career included being a lifetime government employee. She held the position of Educational Guidance Counselor in the Department of the United States Army for over 20 years. The military life allowed her to become a world traveler, giving her the opportunity to obtain many exotic items. After retirement she engaged in substitute teaching as a pastime. Something to remember her by is the love she had for her family. Her favorite food was her mother's cooking. Laughter and joy were always a part of her character.
On a cool and crisp Saturday morning, our beloved one's earthly life journey ended at her home in Ellenwood, Georgia after an extended period of illness. She will "Never" be forgotten! We will always remember the "Good Times".
Relatives Who Played An Active Role In Her Life: Floyd Willis (husband); Daughter: Valerie Alexander Wright of New Mexico; Twin Granddaughters: Isabella and Gabrielle Wright (NM); Sisters: Dorothy Butler Day (Larry) of Albany, GA, Patricia Mells Porchea (Elbert) of Clayton, NC, Ales Mells Gabbidon, Brenda Mells Vancooten, Linda Faye Mells, Sabrina Mells (of Fort Lauderdale, Florida); Brothers: Jonathan Scott Mells (Carol) of Twinsburg, OH, Jerome Mells, Anthony Mells, Larry Mells of Ft Lauderdale, FL. Like a mother and confidant in her life was Louise Mackey Vaughn (Aunt) of Flushing, NY, Willie L. Miller (Mother-in -law) and Kasandra Rummel (Sister-in-law) of Clifton, TX. Not to be overlooked are: Many close and caring Uncles, Aunts, Nephews, Nieces, Cousins, Relatives, Friends, Special Friends and Acquaintances will also miss her dearly. A dear and close friend from childhood: Alicia "Candy" Madry.
Family and friends will be received for a visitation on Friday, October 25, 2019 from 4 PM to 8 PM at Horis A. Ward-Fairview Chapel located at 376 Fairview Rd in Stockbridge, GA 30281. A funeral service will be held on Saturday, October 26, 2019 at 1 PM in the chapel of the funeral home. Internment will take place at Fairview Memorial Gardens.
