Family-Placed Obituary
BETTY B. BELL Family and friends are saddened by the untimely passing of Betty B. Bell on April 6, 2011. Betty was 79. She was born February 16, 1932, in Habersham County, Georgia, into a large family. After graduating from Piedmont College, Betty began a rewarding career in education that was to span 30-plus years. She received her advanced degree from Stetson University's Graduate School of Education in 1962, and in 1964, moved to Palm Beach County where she continued serving students as a classroom teacher, curriculum director, assistant principal, principal and finally Executive Director of Elementary Education. Betty retired in 1990, and continued her spirit of volunteerism in an enthusiastic and rich life of service to others. As a way of giving back, she funded both the Betty Batson Bell Lecture Series at Stetson University and a renewable academic scholarship based on need and merit for students majoring in education or pre-law. Betty was always a champion of arts programming for students, and as a Board Member and Trustee worked with Lou Tyrell, founder of Florida Stage, for more than 25 years. Her generous donations established and funded the Betty B. Bell Educational Trust for all children of Palm Beach County. Her organizational and leadership skills came into play as she served as Board Member and President of the Friends of the Palm Beach County Library System. Under Betty's direction, Friends expanded their cultural programs for children and adults and promoted enhanced library services for all. Betty was a valuable, dedicated and active member of the Board of Directors of Families First since its inception more than 20 years ago. She was a pioneer in making a difference in the lives of the more than 1500 families served each year and was President of the agency on three separate occasions. In recognition of her years of service to Palm Beach County organizations, Betty was named the Junior League Woman Volunteer of the Year in 2006, and Distinguished Volunteer for the Town of Palm Beach United Way in 2010. Betty was an active member of St. Mark's Episcopal Church for the past 13 years and gave freely of her time, talent, and treasure to both the church and the K-8 school. Her life's work was exemplified by her strong belief that...when you improve the life of a child...that is the most significant contribution you can make. She is survived by two brothers, James Duward Batson (Marinell) and Phillip E. Batson (Evelyn); several nieces and nephews; and a host of friends and colleagues. A Memorial Service celebrating Betty's life will take place at 2:00 PM on May 1, 2011, at St. Mark's Episcopal Church in Palm Beach Gardens. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Families First, 3333 Forest Hill Blvd, West Palm Beach, FL 33406; Florida Stage, 701 Okeechobee Blvd, Suite 300, West Palm Beach, FL 33401; Friends of the Palm Beach County Library System, 3650 Summit Blvd, West Palm Beach, FL 33406; Hospice of Palm Beach County, 5300 East Ave, West Palm Beach, FL 33407; or St. Mark's Episcopal Church, 3395 Burns Rd, Palm Beach Gardens, FL 33410
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