She was born the 6th
child of Aaron Kendrick, Sr. and Viola Albertie Kendrick.
Betty attended the local schools of Duval County and for a
short
while she attended
school in Nassau County while living with her aunt, Dollie
Alderman. After returning to Jacksonville, she attended Isaiah
Blocker for junior high and was a graduate of the 1959 class of New
Stanton High School.
Betty went to work as a
secretary at office of Lincoln Estates while it was under
development.
She later became a
paraprofessional for Duval county school system.
She met and married Leroy
Williams, Sr. To this marriage were born, three children, Legretta
Williams-Anderson, Leroy Williams, Jr. and Shaunti Williams-Clark.
Everyone who knows her knows that family is important to her; but
most importantly, she loves her children, grandchildren, and
great-grandchildren.
While raising her children and
working, Betty decided to attend college, which was not an easy
task. But she persevered, attending FCCJ, UNF, and eventually
earning a degree from Edward Waters College, graduating Magna Cum
Laude.
Betty went to work as a teacher
at then, Moncrief 6th Grade Center, and later at
Reynolds Lane Elementary. During her career, she taught math to 4th
& 5th grade students and provided education for bilingual
students. She was also honored with Most Outstanding Teacher Award.
Betty retired in 2005 after 34 years in the school
system.
She has been a member of
Friendship Missionary Baptist Church all her life, having attended
Sunday School, singing in the Remus Smith Chorus and most recently
serving as President of the Pulpit Aide Board, Vice President of
Usher Board #1 and faithful member of District #7. She spear headed
the Beautification Committee and kept the sanctuary decorated for
every season and holiday. She is the longest surviving member
of Love and Goodwill Society. Betty always volunteers to assist
with Vacation Bible School and as chaperone/cook for the youth
trips. She is “Nana” to many and was always willing to accept them
as her very own. You could always find her ushering, placing
flowers in the church or working in the kitchen whenever she is
needed to assist.
She is survived by her
children, Legretta Williams-Anderson, Dea. Leroy Williams
(Charlina), and Shaunti Williams Clark (Dea. Carlos Clark); Her
grandchildren, Lacrecia Powell (Macon), Serana Anderson, Derrionn
Anderson, Darrin Anderson, Leroy Williams III, Hector Espino, Ikeya
Elmore, Shamara Clark, Carlos Clark II; Great Grandchildren, Semaj
Beal, Macon Powell, Anissa Espino, Gabrielle Espino, and Megan
Powell; Sister, Earlene Kendrick Perry (Robert); Uncle, Sylvester
Kendrick; Aunts, Mary K. Heard and Mildred Littles; Brothers-n-law:
Henry Williams; Sisters-n-law, Mary Kendrick, Dorothy Kendrick, and
Lula Cross (Herbert), Marilyn Singleton, Lola Williams, Lovely
Williams, ; God-Children, Stephanie Yates, Valerie Blackman, Barry
Williams, Derek Williams, Jessica Cherry and Ashley McDade; A host
of nieces and cousins; her Christian Pal, Danielle Hawkins; her
dear long-time friend, Edith Witherspoon and Tommyzina Williams,
Cynthia Kendrick, Shirley Turner and Sandra Newman who assisted in
her care.