Bettie Mitchell

Bettie Jane Mitchell

Passed on October 22, 2013

"Well Behaved Women Rarely Make History" was the motto Bettie Mitchell lived. Born to Sam and Anne Berk in Cleveland, Ohio, Bettie had it all - brains, beauty, and moxy. She had a strong will and creative mind Bettie and her family moved West to Los Angeles when she was young. At 16, she dropped out of school to pursue an acting career. Soon after, Bettie married and had 3 daughters, losing her middle child, Melissa, as an infant. Later she happily divorced her first husband and landed a job in the music industry to support her daughters. Working for Chapel Music, Bettie met many musicians and song writers, including Elmer Bernstein & Nat King Cole. She was mentioned in Herb Caen's column as the beautiful red head with Frank Sinatra.

In 1962, Bettie traveled to San Francisco and met the love of her life, Sonny Mitchell. They were married less than a month later and just celebrated their 51st Anniversary on October 19th. Active in politics in the mid 1960's Bettie marched and protested against the Vietnam War and for The Women's Liberation Movement.

In 1964, her youngest daughter was born. In the early 1970's, Bettie and Sonny started the M & M Advertising agency, which won a Clio award.

In the mid 1970's, Bettie tried her hand as an art dealer at San Francisco's first commercial gallery, Cory Galleries. Here she met famous artists such as Salvador Dali, Hiro Yamagata, and Andre Szasz. This was the niche she was searching for. She had found the career that she loved.

In 1980, she opened her first gallery, City Gallery at the St. Francis Hotel, bringing to the public artists including Graciiela Rodo Boulanger, William Tolliver, Charles Fazzino and John Lennon.

In 1993, Bettie and her daughter Desireé opened Gallery 444 on Post Street.

Bettie represented many well known artists, but loved to introduce young new painters. Hosting major shows for international artists including Boulanger, Rafal Olbinski, Alvar, Hessam, and Richard Merkin., she always enjoyed the excitement of watching and helping new artists. Bettie mentored many rising stars who have gone on to make a name for themselves, including Rossmary Valverde, Sarena Rosenfeld, Karla Chambers, Chuck Joseph and William Johns.

Bettie surrounded herself with beautiful things and wonderful people. She enjoyed reading many books each week and was a high stakes gambler that always held a winning hand.

Bettie Mitchell did make history. Bettie sold art in Union Square longer than any other art Dealer in San Francisco. She trained many art dealers, some who have opened their own galleries, and introduced many people and artists into the world of art. She was a legend in her own time.

She leaves behind the love of her life, her husband Sonny Mitchell, three not so well behaved daughters, Heidi Bass, Meg Yerkes and Desireé Mitchell, her son-in-laws David Cogswell and Eric Yerkes, four grandchildren she adored, Benjamin Bass, Melody Rose Mitchell, Samantha Bass, Harmony Anne Yerkes, her brother Bernard Berk and his wife Liyu, plus her furry best friend Gracie.

She will be missed always and with us in our hearts forever. There will be a private memorial service for family only at this time. In Lieu of flowers, please make donations to your favorite charity.