Bettye Jean Craig Andry

Bettye Jean Craig Andry was born on April 15, 1941 to the union of Oscar Emerson Craig and Gracie Mae Craig in Yarbo, Alabama. She was lovingly raised by her paternal grandparents, James and Maggie Craig (affectionately known as Daddy Jimmy and Mama Mag). She peacefully transitioned to her eternal home on May 23, 2020 in the comfort of her home.

After graduating from Koenton High School in Washington County, Bettye furthered her education by attending The Mobile Branch of The Alabama State Teacher’s College, Mobile, AL and graduating from The Alabama State Teacher’s College, Montgomery, AL with a Bachelor of Science Degree in English. She also continued professional studies at Spring Hill College in Mobile, Alabama.

Bettye married the love of her life, Lawrence Edward Andry, Sr. on June 23, 1962 at Saint James Major Catholic Church, Prichard, Alabama. They decided to reside in Lawrence’s hometown of Chastang, AL.

She began her career as an educator with The Mobile Community Action Head Start Program which was operated from her parish, St. Peter The Apostle Catholic Church. She later became the center director after serving as a teacher. At the appropriate time, she became the Social Services Director and worked from the central office in Prichard, AL. She retired twice from the agency after forty years of combined service.

Many years of her life were spent making a difference both professionally in her career and in her community. As one of the founders of “The Day Care”, one of the first day care centers in Mt. Vernon, AL in the 1970’s, she ensured that not only her children, but those of the community had access to a much needed resource. She also served as a member of the Ladies Auxiliary, leading the Junior Daughters of the Nights of St. Peter Claver, and the visitation ministry for the sick and shut in.

Bettye is preceded in death by her beloved parents and grandparents. She is survived by her husband, Lawrence Edward Andry, Sr and their four children: Lawrence E. (Roslyn Hopkins) Andry, Jr., Round Rock, TX; Lawrencine Benee Andry (Rev. Sanders H.) Mason, III, Mobile, AL; Leatrice Grace Andry (Stephen) Cunningham, Pflugerville, TX; and Robert Lance Emerson (Monica Munoz) Andry, Sr., Pflugerville, TX; eleven grandchildren; three great grandchildren; and a host of relatives and friends.

Mrs. Bettye Jean will be remembered as a graceful, kind, selfless, and patient mother and grandmother who always had a warm smile on her face and a word of encouragement on her lips knowing in her heart that the Lord, Jesus is great and feeling peace through her dedicated daily prayers for her family and friends. She had a quiet, loving spirit and a strength about her that was a light to all. She will be deeply missed by her family, friends, and all those her knew her.