- Date Of Birth: August 19, 1929
- Date Of Death: March 2, 2021
- State: Alabama
Betty Mae Woolfork was born on August 19, 1929 to her parents Gertrude Holt Webb and John Benjamin Webb, Sr. in Houston County¸ Georgia. She grew up in Bibb County – Macon, Georgia and graduated from Ballard High School. In 1948, she married Ulysses Knight Woolfork, and they moved to Newark, New Jersey where they brought up their only child, Patricia Ann Woolfork.
She is predeceased by her infant son, Ulysses, Jr. and husband, Ulysses, Sr., both of her parents, her eldest sister, Mattie Julia Hill/Willie, brothers, John Benjamin, Jr., Clarence, and Herman Webb/Geraldine.
She is survived by her youngest sister, Zulena Webb-Grisham and her three daughters, her nieces, Claudette Elaine Hill and her son, Mattise, Deborah Lynn Hill-Teagle/ Kevin and her son, Kevin, Jr., nephew Herman, Jr./Vanessa, and nieces Joy, Roma, Annette, Gertrude Webb, and Lasandria, and Bobby Knight, et al.
She will be sorely missed by her daughter, Patricia Ann Woolfork of Barnegat, NJ and her three grandchildren Russell LaMont Simmons, Sr./Chanerra, Vaughann Christian Simmons/Gina Louise, and
Heather-Michelle Lewis/Patrick, Sr.
Betty had yet to meet many of her nine great-grandchildren:
Russell LaMont, Jr./Neuaja, Kayla Noel, John Edward, India Autumn Soleil¸ Layla Ariana, and Na’ilah Iman Simmons;
Patrick Edward, II, Jalen Xavier, and Kristen Alexis Lewis; and
two great, great granddaughters: Summer Rainn Simmons/Russell, Jr. and Kayla’s daughter.
Betty retired from Western Electric in Kearny, NJ after fourteen years of service. She worked at Bamberger’s/Macy’s as a fitting room inspector at the downtown Newark store. She attended Essex County College and also received her cosmetology license and serviced customers both in NJ and GA. She was a private duty nurse while living in Jackson, GA.
She became known as “Sister” Betty Woolfork when she became one of Jehovah’s Witnesses in 1955. Before and after retirement she served as a full-time and part-time missionary – spreading the “Good News” and conducting home Bible studies up to and until 2013 when it was determined that she was suffering from Dementia into Alzheimer’s. Her daughter moved her with her to Huntsville, AL until it was necessary to move her into a secure facility for her safety.
She became a resident at Brookshire Healthcare Center in Huntsville, AL. She was well cared for and loved by the staff and nurses. She became known as “The Georgia Peach Diva” because of her glamour, femininity, her bright hazel eyes, her smile and her ten laps both up and down the halls after each meal because as she said, “I don’t want to be fat!” She was also known for her feistiness. She could still get her point across. She was no pushover!
As the disease progressed, she became more loving, kind, and apologetic – giving hugs and kisses and saying “I love you” like the mother she was meant to be. She was so proud of her only child at last – leaving behind fond and lasting memories of a reciprocated love between mother and child.
When she was reminded that her husband had passed away, she would respond, “Did I kill him?” and that would go on and on and on. She never really lost her sense of humor. She would put her hand on her hip and say, “How do you like me now?” especially after her hair was put in her French Twist and her nails were polished.
She will be especially missed by all who loved her, and that called her “friend” and “Mom”:
Jackson, GA Congregation: Rosa Myricks, Mona and Rick Dorminey, Thomas and Beverly Varner, “JP”, Berniece, et al.
Macon, GA Congregation: Jackie and Brent Dennis, Vera Jolley, June Dyer, and Eleanor Driscoll, Corah, et al.
Newark, NJ South Congregation: Robert and Lona Smith, Christopher and Sandra Smith, Betty White¸ et al and those who have most likely passed away since her confinement.
My mother was always immaculately dressed and coiffed. She was an excellent cook and baker and often shared her creations with friends and family in “formal” fashion – a true Southern Lady. She taught me to do the same. I also got my strength from her.
She loved studying the Bible and travelling. She went to Egypt, Greece, Haiti, The Bahamas, and The Holy Land.
She always looked forward to living in Paradise where she would no longer have any pain or suffering. She was strong in her devotion to Jehovah and her ministry. Revelations 21: 3-8 was her favorite scripture and “Keep Your Eyes on the Prize” was her favorite song as is mine. May we both rest in the peace of reconciliation and love knowing that we did our best with the cards that were dealt because of the love of Our Heavenly Father to lead us closer to Him.
Love you always, Mommy
Special thanks to Eva, Lydia, Roz, and Sherri at Brookshire and Emily and Gina at Compassus Hospice and the rest of the staff that showed my mother and me such care, kindness, and comfort these past two weeks and allowing me to Facetime with my mother as she transitions.
Patricia Ann Woolfork
770 Lighthouse Drive
Bldg. A – Apt 209A
Barnegat, NJ 08005
(256) 929-8728
