Betty Jane Grant, 77, passed away peacefully at her home on Friday, January 28, 2022. She was surrounded by close friends and family, and was being serenaded with one of her favorite songs “You Are My Sunshine”.
Per Betty’s wishes, her remains and those of her late wife, Mary Lu Newberg, will be scattered in a Michigan lake at a later date.
Betty was born on September 21, 1944, in Detroit, Michigan. She was the daughter of Betty Velma Carter Grant and John Ross Grant, Sr. After graduating high school in 1962, Betty attended Michigan State University, earning a Bachelor’s Degree in Elementary/Deaf Education in 1966. She continued her educational journey by attending Wayne State University, earning a Master’s Degree in General Special Education in 1971. Betty’s graduate work there also earned her certification as Director of Special Education.
Betty utilized her passion for education and development in several school districts in Michigan: Wayne County Intermediate School District, Downriver/Dearborn Learning Center, Wayne State University, Ferndale School District, Warren Consolidated School District, and the Michigan School for the Deaf. She had a strongly held belief that instructional improvement occurs when the administrator is a part of the team and a part of the process, rather than simply the overseer. She was a great teammate and leader to all.
In addition to her amazing contribution in education and leadership, she was a fierce advocate for women’s rights. As a member of the National Organization of Women, she fought for the passage of the Equal Rights Amendment in Michigan and nationally. She was also a member of the American Civil Liberties Union, helping to preserve and defend the individual rights of all.
When Betty moved to Georgia, she worked in Public Relations and started her own company, Betty Grant Public Relations. She was the first Director of Public Relations for the Home Builder’s Association of Metropolitan Atlanta. Betty also served as Community Communications Manager for the Atlanta Committee for the Olympic Games (ACOG). She was instrumental in insuring that all venue plans complied with the Americans with Disabilities Act guidelines.
After 35+ years together, Betty married Mary Lu Newberg on May 12, 2018, at their home in Atlanta, GA, with Jillian Wells officiating. It was a precious time of close friends and family gathering to celebrate their undying love…and their beautiful garden! Both Betty and Mary were Master Gardeners, with Betty having a special knack for roses. “Whenever I see roses, I always think of Betty,” said a neighbor recently.
Betty will also be remembered for her love for traveling. Her mother planted the travel bug in her early, and Betty did not stop until she visited all 7 continents. The last continent visited was Antarctica with her beloved wife. They were able to mingle with penguins and fully enjoy the beauty of the tundra.
Betty also had a passion for animals. Her primary love was cats, but she also had a soft spot for birds, dogs, polar bears, beluga whales, penguins, tortoises, blue-footed boobies - any animal she and Mary encountered during their adventures around the globe! One of the things Betty was most proud of was her volunteer time in Louisiana after Hurricane Katrina. She worked long days and nights to help round up displaced animals, provide aid, and find their original homes or new ones. Her beautiful tabby, Slidell, is a beneficiary of her kindness.
Betty is survived by her step sister-in-law, Carol Kaatz; several cats whom she cherished with her life; and several close friends.
Preceded in death by her parents; her wife, Mary Lu Newberg, her brother, John Ross Grant, Jr.; and family friend, Debra Holley.
A private service will be held at a later date.
Memorial donations can be made to Planned PEThood of Georgia, 2860 Buford Highway, Bldg. F, Suite 2, Duluth, GA 30096; and the World Wildlife Fund
https://pethoodga.org/contact-us/
https://www.worldwildlife.org/
Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.floralhillsfuneral.com for the Grant family.
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