Betty Loretta Gammons

Mrs. Betty Loretta Tyson Killingsworth Gammons was born on August 28, 1940, in Oviedo, Florida, to the late Elder Edward Tyson and the late Angie Tyson Pattlefoot. She received her early education locally but left school after the eleventh grade following the birth of her first child. Undeterred, she later earned her GED and, at age 45, furthered her education by becoming a certified cosmetician by attending the renowned "black beauty school named the Wilfred Academy of Hair & Beauty Culture". After graduating, Ms. Betty established her own home salon, where she skillfully offered a range of hairstyling services including Jheri curls, Hawaiian curls, press and sets and other styles. Except for Saturdays, she scheduled most appointments around her responsibilities as a School Bus Driver.
A dedicated entrepreneur, Ms. Betty often managed multiple roles simultaneously, sometimes driving both a school bus and coordinating crews for agricultural work, such as orange picking. Upon completing these duties, she would return home to serve her salon clients. In addition to transporting students, her role as a School Bus Driver included essential maintenance tasks such as oil changes, demonstrating her versatility and commitment. Throughout these endeavors, she raised four beautiful children and cared for her aging mother and aunts.
The pivotal moment in her life was her spiritual transformation; she devoted herself to her faith and gave her life to the Lord under the leadership of the late Rev. George Washington. She was an active member of several Pentecostal churches, including the House of Refuge with Superintendent Alonzo Smith, Jr. Later, Betty moved to Rochester, NY for almost 15 years. There she joined Prayer House Church of God by Faith under Elder George Dailey. As a servant, Ms. Betty served with distinction in roles such as Sunday School Teacher, Missionary, Outreach Missions Leader, Cook, Prayer Team Member, and "Holy Ghost filled" (Shouting) Usher.
Ms. Betty was also recognized for her deep spiritual presence. Rev. Washington would use her when new converts wanted to dance or be filled with the Holy Ghost. He would tell her to stand in the aisle, and he'd tell the new convert to go shake Sis. Betty's hand and the moment they shook hands the spirit of the Lord would fall like fire on both and the whole church would break out in praise and worship. They would have a glorious time dancing and praising God!!
She treasured her family deeply, including her children: Althea Tyson (Daughter of her first love, the late Willie Morgan), Rebeca K. Waters (Daughter of her second love, the late Alex Killingsworth), and Quentin and Kiesha Gammons (Children of her final love and late husband, Willie Tom Gammons). Proud of her unique name, Mrs. Gammons cherished her identity and often remarked on its distinction. She would boast about it declaring that
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nobody else had 5 names like her because "My name is Mrs. Betty Loretta Tyson Killingsworth Gammons and don't y'all forget it!"
In addition to her love for dancing, which she maintained well into her eighties, Mrs. Betty enjoyed reading, solving crossword puzzles, and especially playing games on her tablet-a pastime she embraced wherever she went.
Mrs. Betty Loretta Tyson Killingsworth Gammons will be fondly remembered and sorely missed by all who knew her.