Betty Jean Alexander Halbert, 89, of Jackson TN, passed away peacefully in her home with her family by her side on September 27, 2020. She was born on September 26, 1931 in Chattanooga TN, the daughter of Essie Louise Simmons and Will Clifton Alexander. She was the oldest of two siblings. After graduating from Howard School, Betty studied at Clark College in Atlanta before attending Tennessee State where she earned a bachelor’s degree. Betty demonstrated her belief in the importance of education by her lengthy teaching career with Chattanooga Public Schools. She taught Home Economics at Howard School and later became a Homebound teacher for children unable to attend school in person. Betty was a member of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc and had been active with Pi Omega Chapter in Chattanooga, and Gamma Alpha Omega after relocating to Jackson. She served as Basileus of Pi Omega, was named Most Precious Pearl, and achieved the level of Golden Soror. Her life truly embodied the song, “If I Can Help Somebody” and Alpha Kappa Alpha’s mission of “Service to All Mankind” because she was always helping someone. Betty was predeceased by her parents and sister, Emma Bush. She leaves to cherish her memories daughter, Ivy (Henry) Smith, Jackson TN; granddaughter, Brittany Smith, Sumter SC; great-grandson, Tobias Smith, Sumter, SC; nephew, William (Glenda) Morgan, Chattanooga; niece, Sylvia Stamper, Jackson; niece Helena (Randy) Kirksey, Atlanta, GA, and a host of relatives and friends. Public viewing will be from 9 am – 12noon Monday, October 5, 2020 at the funeral home, followed by a 1:00 pm graveside service at Forest Hills Cemetery.
Arrangements by John P. Franklin Funeral Home, 1101 Dodds Avenue, 622-9995