Betty Jean Lashley

Obituary

On Friday, January 29, 2021, Betty Jean Bernice Lashley age 88, transitioned to the Eternal Rest at 5:38 AM at Prisma Health Hospital in Columbia, SC. ◦ Betty Jean Bernice Lashley, first daughter of Augustus Oliver Clarke (Bonaca, Honduras) and Bernice Aileen Clarke ( Jackson, Mississippi), was born at Jewish Brooklyn Hospital in Brooklyn , NY on January 26,1933. ◦ Brooklyn remained Betty’s home until her family moved in 1944 to Goshen, NY, and finally settled in 1947 in Addisleigh Park ,Queens, NY. ◦ Betty was “one of a kind “ with a cheery and lively disposition. She was a caring, sharing person, and would help anyone if she could. ◦ Undoubtedly, Betty was a “social butterfly with wings on her feet.” She was “energy “personified. With a twinkle in her eye she circulated within her social circuits, always laughing and chatting with glee. Betty’s parents afforded her with several cultural and educational experiences which also included piano lessons. During her pre and early teens, for at least two summer weeks, you’d find Betty as a camper at “Camp Atwater” in Brookfield, MA. ( Historically, the first African American camp in America.) Betty was formally presented to society by her parents, hosting in their home, formally attired lavish galas. Guests came from afar to attend both her 16th and 18th birthday celebrations. ◦ Betty continued socializing with her peers by joining the El Capitans, a teenage social club in Queens, NY. ◦ Weekend parties, well chaperoned, became routine. Harry Belfonte’s music was in your ears and gaiety and clean fun emerged. The merriment often ending with an early AM breakfast. Actually, a few of her guests ran out to fetch the delivery milkman to purchase the eggs and bacon you would smell later on, coming from the kitchen. ◦ After graduating from Andrew Jackson High School in Queens, NY, she attended Rhodes Prep School In Manhattan. For a while Betty attended a dental technician school but changed her goal and transferred to Hunter College in the late fifties. ◦ Subsequently, Betty moved on to work in a variety of areas in insurance, banking, retail, hospital, school, and childcare settings. ◦ In her marriage to Alvin Caldwell ( deceased), she gave birth to their son, Augustus Alvin Caldwell. ◦ Later on, marrying her high school buddy, Walter Lashley ( deceased), they decided to relocate to South Carolina in 1986. ◦ In 1989, Betty secured a position at the Columbia Police Department where she remained until her retirement in 2005. Quick to react, one day when working for the Federal Reserve Bank in Jericho, NY, a security guard started to choke on an apple and yes, Betty saved his life . She quickly rushed over and applied the Heimlich Maneuver dilslodging the apple. Betty had just learned the technique 2 weeks prior to the incident. For this noble deed, she received accolades for her valor and the story was placed in the banks monthly newsletter. An animal lover, Betty gained much pleasure, comfort and joy caring for her pooches, Benji, Jodie, Fleas, King, Tebear, Maxi and Missy. ◦ Betty was a Christian and was baptized as an infant at St. Augustine Episcopal Church, Brooklyn, NY. She attended St. Albans The Martyr Episcopal Church in Queens, NY and after moving to South Carolina, she became a member of the Bethlehem Baptist Church where she sang in the choir. ◦ Finally, Betty joined Bethel AME Church Columbia, SC, Rev. Dr. Caesar R. Richburg., where she attended when her health permitted. ◦ Betty loved to explore, and cruise, and traveled throughout the United States, as well as, having unforgettable vacations in Bermuda, Cayman Islands , Jamaica., Aruba , and several other Caribbean Islands. ◦ When it came to food, Betty’s culinary skills were extraordinary. Her homemade dinner rolls and cakes were absolutely delicious! After retirement, on most Tuesdays, you‘d find her at the seniors’ Tuesday Rocker Group held at Good Shepherd Holiness Church in Hopkins, SC, of course, socializing. She was blessed with many caring friends who enjoyed her loving spirit. Betty was most particular about her haircare. Thanks to her hairdresser and friend, Ms. Ann, her tresses were always healthy and styled. Much family love, respect and appreciation goes to Mr. Calvin Bowers, who was a truly devoted friend and stood by her side to the end. We need to mention, Virginia Costello ( deceased ) , her lifelong friend and her nephew, Gordon Johnson ( deceased) who were very dear to her heart . ◦ Betty leaves to cherish her memories: , a son, Augustus Alvin Caldwell, SC, her sister, Judith Louise Clarke Johnson, NY, nephews and nieces : Arlene FittsWinfrey, GA,, Gary ( Marlene),NY, Gordon (deceased), (Sheila), VA, Gregory (Deidre) ,NC, Gerald, MD, Jasmine , VA, Jarred, VA, Vaughn, NY, Cayman, NC., Briana ( Paul), NY, Milan, NC, and a host of extended family and friends.

Virtual Memorial Service Celebrating the Life of Betty Jean Bernice Lashley will be held Sunday, March 21, 2021 12:00 noon

Hosts: Bethel AME Church Reverend Dr. Caesar R. Richburg/Pastor and Family Please text your email address to Judith Johnson (347) 530-5509 for a Zoom invite, ASAP.