Mrs. Debra Riley Betts

Debra Diane Riley Betts was born August 7, 1953 in Valdosta, GA, to the late James and Georgie Riley.

Debra was educated in the Lowndes County Public School System and graduated from Lowndes High School. She furthered her studies and received her Bachelor’s Degree from Albany State College. Debra was also a proud member of the Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc.! With high moral and social character, she assisted her sisterhood in enriching minds and encouraged life-long learning; provided aid to the poor, the sick and the underserved; and continually strived to produce leaders to continue their credo of service.

Firmly believing that she was a co-worker with God in the divine task of molding and forming the young and growing minds of children, Debra chose teaching not only as her profession but as her vocation. She taught at Pine Grove Elementary School for thirty years demonstrating a demanding dedication and deep sense of commitment to her peers and students. She believed that every child was special and must be treated as such. She was also employed by K-Mart Corporation for over twenty years.

Debra was a member of Mt. Vienna A.M.E. Church, where she served and worshipped God with all of her heart, mind, body and soul. Daily she strived to live a purposed driven life by helping someone along the way. On Sunday, December 11, 2016, the Lord softly whispered, “Well done thou good and faithful servant….peace be thine.”

In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband, Wallace D. Betts.

Debra leaves her legacy of strength and love to her children: Ericka Betts, Elisha Betts, and Elasha Betts, all of Valdosta, GA, and Patricia Handy of Baltimore, MD; two sisters: Dorothy Riley and Cheryl Riley-Williams; four brothers: Harold Riley, Samuel Riley (Donna), Kenneth Riley, and William C. Riley (Eunice), all of Valdosta, GA; two aunts: Eudorice Fluit of Quitman, GA and Mildred Stafford of Neptune, NJ; one uncle: Harry Stafford of Tinton Fall, NJ; her three precious grandchildren: Asia Betts, Anthony James and Tyler Hope; six sisters-in-law; and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, family and friends.

The celebration of life for the late Mrs. Debra Riley Betts will be held Sunday, December 18, 2016 at 2:00pm from the sanctuary of Mt. Vienna AME Church.

Rev. Renee G. Theophille will officiate.

Interment will follow in Register Cemetery.

Public Viewing will be held Saturday, December 17,2016 in the Godfrey Funeral Home Chapel from 10:00am - 8:00pm.