Ella Betts Jemison

On September 1, 2026, our beloved Ella Betts Jemison entered eternal rest at the age of 103. Born August 6, 1923, she was the fifth of ten children born to Mr. Willie Glen Betts and Anna Mae Betts. Ella was preceded in death by her parents, her beloved husband, Willie Jemison (Uncle Jem), who passed in 1984, and her nine siblings: Vandie, Luddie Mae, Louis, Willie Harrison, Lucille, Willie Mae, James Junior, Dollie Ann, and Ophelia.

 Ella was a woman of faith, strength, hard work, and service. She was affectionately known as a Mother of the Church and faithfully served at Mount Calvary Baptist Church through the Nurses Guild, Missionary ministry, and Sunday School. Even when she could no longer attend church regularly, she continued to cherish the Word of God and Wednesday fellowship with Ms. Bessie, Ms. Rosa, and Mrs. Natalie. Throughout her life, Ella worked in several fields, including Oxford Fashion, DHR, childcare, home health care, and the shipyards in Mississippi. She cared for neighborhood and family children and operated a daycare from her home until retirement. Caring for others was more than work—it was part of who she was. Ella also loved fellowship and enjoyed spending time with the Golden Agers, where she talked, played games, traveled, and shared laughter with friends. These activities helped keep her young at heart. She also enjoyed watching baseball, especially her favorite team, the Atlanta Braves.

 Those Who Cherish Her Memory Ella leaves to cherish her memory her nephew, Robert Sykes of Weaver, Alabama; nieces Joyce Jones of Chicago, Illinois, and Martha Ann Latham of Reform, Alabama;  caregivers and great-nieces, Latoya Robinson (primary), Cynthia Heath and Doretha Johnson; great-nieces-in-love, Bridget Glass and Tracy Robinson; special great-nephews Vandon Robinson of Birmingham, Alabama, Randall Sykes of Weaver, Alabama, and Donrico Robinson of Saks, Alabama, along with a host of relatives, friends, church family, and all who were blessed to know and love her.

 At 103 years old, Ella leaves behind a legacy of faith, hard work, service, wisdom, and love. Her journey on earth has ended, but the seeds she planted in the lives of others will continue to grow for generations.