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William Betts Obituary
Passed away on Saturday, August 6, 2005 at his home of natural causes. Survived by three sons, William Thomas, Jr., Jonathan and Derrick Betts; two daughters, Jacquelyn and Jennifer Betts; four grandchildren, devoted companion, Ms. Roscoe Dellums; many other relatives and friends. Wake will be held on Monday, August 15 from 10 a.m. until time of funeral service, 12 Noon at Metropolitan Memorial United Methodist Church, 3401 Nebraska Ave., N.W. Interment Parklawn Memorial Park. An additional memorial service will be held at a later date. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Keter Betts Memorial Fund, c/o Northminster Presbyterian Church, 7720 Alaska Ave., N.W., Washington, DC 20012. Arrangements by McGUIRE.
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Memories and Condolences
for William Betts
Sponsored by Roscoe Dellums,companion.
June 6, 2007
praying
Jeffrey Z. Slavin
October 2, 2005
Roscoe
We are suffering with you on the great loss that you have sustained. Keter was a living legend and we shall always remember his many kindnesses.
Love
Jeffrey and Doug
Susie Hester
September 14, 2005
Jennifer,
I am sorry to hear of your lost. My prayers are with you and your family.
Aaron (AJ) Johnson
August 22, 2005
Goodbye Keter. I was always wonderful to play with you and you inspired me many times over.
Fred Irby,III
August 21, 2005
To the family of Keter Betts:
Thank you for sharing Keter with us at Howard University.
Fred Irby,III
Professor
Mary Anderson Martin
August 20, 2005
I have known Keter for approximately 50 years, and had the privilege to sing with him during some of those years. I remember when he first began playing in the DC area--even before Dinah. He was a real inspiration to me during my conversion from the classics to jazz. He was a real GIANT, and will be SORELY missed. My sincere condolences to his family.
Mary Anderson Martin
August 20, 2005
I have known Keter for approximately 50 years, and had the privilege to sing with him during some of those years. I remeber when he first began playing in the DC area--even before Dinah. He was a real inspiration to me during my conversion from the classics to jazz. He was a real GIANT, and will be SORELY missed. My sincere condolences to his family.
Barry & Lynda Balthrop
August 18, 2005
Dear Family & Friends,
May you have the peace and comforting love of God that excels all thought as you reflect on the loving kindness and musical talent of Keter. His musical genius and heart felt love for music and people have been made manifest, by how he lived his life. As you ponder on these things, may they bring a smile to your face and joy to your heart. Keter was truly a beautiful butterfly. Agape
Trudy Pitts & "Mr C"
August 16, 2005
Though we've been privileged to be in a musical invironment with Keter several times,"Mr. C" & I didn't have the pleasure of performing together with him! Knowing his masterful attributes, I feel that is our loss! Dedicated musicians are born with a mission of sharing, ministering, and healing through music...Keter did that PERSONIFIED!It is my belief that, when this mission has been accomplished, The CREATOR, who commissioned us with that unique talent, will in essence say..."WELL DONE & BRIGHT MOMENTS" COME ON HOME!!!!!!
Love, Peace, Hope, Faith, Laughter, Charity, Compassion, MUSIC..GOD!
bob butta
August 15, 2005
Keeter had a large influence on my
playing...I worked with him with O'donel Levy, in Alex Va. and in Hilton Head S.C. with Jimmy Cobb, Pete Minger, FReddie Cole, and many trio settings around DC---TWINS, Blues Alley, and the intro for BET tv (with GRover Washington and Joe Ford)...great bassist and person, and had great patience with me..heh....I miss him already....all luv and respect, Bob Butta....
Jesse Powers
August 15, 2005
Keter, you are in God's hands now, but you brought much joy to your family and fans, during your lifetime. You were loved then and still loved now. You'll be missed, but not forgotten.
The Unforeseeable Future
It twists, it bends,
Has ups and downs
and can gust like the wind
It's funny, with time,
how life takes shape
And the choices ultimately that we make
Preferences and priorities mysteriously fade
As the road to maturity is laid.
Jesse Powers
Parris Lane
August 15, 2005
I had the pleasure to be introduced to Mr. Betts by Ed Peterson (Omega Studios) at a Washington DC Grammy's Event. The first thing I remember was that wonderful smile and the humble heart. I'm sure there is a special place for musicians in heaven and he's there with the best of them. May God continue to Bless and Keep his family under his everlasting wings of love especially during this time. God Bless..
William Smith
August 15, 2005
Keter, thank you for the music, the laughter, the love, and the wisdom that you brought to so many of us. We will miss you.
Rev. Brother Bey
August 15, 2005
May GOD bless you always and the family. rest in peace my friend. Keter you can visit my spirit at anytime. Much love to you my brother. Keep the music coming.
Jacqui Simmons
August 14, 2005
To the Family of Keter Betts -
Sincere condolences to you. Keter was loved by so many and so many were fortunate to have met him, worked with him and shared his love of music. Keter was world renown for his bass playing but also famous for his infectious smile and that is how I will remember him, that twinkle in his eyes, that smile on his face and playing his bass. Keter is now playing in the big band with the other musical greats such as Parker, Davis, Mingus, Coltrane, and others.
Kelly
August 14, 2005
Keter Betts will be missed and always remembered for his excellent musicianship, the dedication and dignity with which he presented jazz music and shared it with children, his humor, and his magnificent warmth.
Portia Deal
August 13, 2005
I am deeply stunned and grieved by the loss of one of the most inspiring individuals I have met. Reflecting on the many interactions with Keter, I rejoice that God allowed me the opportunity to experience the presence of a jazz giant who displayed behaviors of a true gentleman, had a great smile that showed his great spirit, and always encouraged me when things seemed hectic and challenging at the East Coast Jazz Festivals. I am truly thankful and appreciative of this precious and unique individual. I pray that God comforts all those who loved and cherished his friendship allowing them to reflect on the beauty of his presence and his contributions to music and life.
Peace with God's love,
Benny Russell
August 13, 2005
One of the great musicians of our time has become an ancestor. May God be with this family at this time.
Gary Bartz
August 12, 2005
We will miss your wonderful spirit.Peace.
Julie Backerman
August 12, 2005
My deepest sympathy to Keeter"s family...he was a most special human being whom I had the privilege of seeing him on an annual jazz cruise for the past 12 or so years. Our friendship was so special that when I acquired a young black cat last fall, what other name would fit but "Mr. Betts" and I sent Keeter a photo of his "God-Child"....his laughter I can still hear. May God grant you all peace and comfort during your sorrow. Let's all remember the good times.
Julie Backerman
St. Louis, Missouri
Chuck Carthan
August 12, 2005
I was fortunate enough to meet Mr. "Keter" Betts on a jazz cruise with the great Stanley Turrentine and Bernard Purdy, in the year 2000. We had no where to go so it was easy to sit and chat. Keter shared with his listeners the time he took up drums and followed the parade, etc. I loved his zest for life then and I will miss him now, even though he got a gig with the elite eternal band. My condolences go out to the family, but know that we all appreciate the fact that you shared Keter Betts with us. Thank you and may God and the comfort of the Holy Spirit bring you peace in your time of need to let you know that everything is alright.
Byron Morris
August 12, 2005
In December 2002, I was a guest at a very special party given at Yale & Marie Lewis' home in Sandy Springs, MD. Present was; Keter Betts, Rick Henderson, Ira Sabin, Jack Tower, Wade Beach and others. Keter, kept all of us transfixed with stories of being on the road as a young musician in the late 1940s & 50s, he was a great person to know. He will be missed... God Bless you Keter.
Dorree Lynn
August 12, 2005
Keter played at my wedding. It was a union of two sages; elders with life experience that we were able to put aside in the joy of the moment soothed by Keter's ever-enlivening magnificent music. He was a new friend. But he and Roscoe brought us joy. When visiting my home, he embraced us with his charm and of course his music. I knew Roscoe first and then Keter. Then I had the delightful opportunity to know them as a couple. Anyone who says love can't be better the second time round, was never in the presence of Roscoe and Keter. My heart, blessings and prayers go to Keter's family and to Roscoe who lost her soulmate and now needs all of us who love her to help her remember her joy.
Brett Chambers
August 12, 2005
Thank you Mr. Betts for sharing your warmth and talent with all you came in contact with you. My Dad loved your music and Mom was a good friend of Pinky. Hilton was our initial connection. We'll miss you the friend, musician, the light.
KHARABIA RAYFORD
August 12, 2005
For Keter
by KhaRabia Rayford. Queen. Culture. Woman.
When the tones of the bass, slap, thumb, fingers, move the inner ear, it is like hearing a subtle thunder mooooooooooooove from knowing to having to feeling to pulse to movement (of heart, first) to energy bursting (*busting* out!), to subtle quickening (yea, in the body) to offering/asking, to acceptance... to...sound...to...muuuuusic.
We heed music in the gifted. In the hands that play polyrhythmic on four strings...on
wood,
on...bass...
on heart. The "Keter", the Crown Supreme, his hoary head sprouting thrum...thrum...thrum...of notes, dewy/radiant, the morning/night slipping into the essential essences--the primordial.
Seeing him play, sometimes, especially in the later years, the years of Seker't, of within taking, the music to himself, we see why, the Arikh Anpin- apt. Yet, also, the smiles at times, breaking out, , "620 pillars of light." Radiance in heaven, the storms we heard here were they
Keter shaking loose?
We all should smile, and play music...play or listen or support...we all should smile and play music, play or listen, we all should smile and play music....play....
Iris mcconnell
August 12, 2005
I am the wife of Julian Mcconnell who has preceeded Keter in death, However, they (he, Pinky and Ketter) enjoyed a very long friendship and I got to meet them through him. The McConnell family is saddened by his passing and will keep you in our prayers. Love.
Claudia Eaton
August 12, 2005
I just recently met Mr. Betts when he graced and honored my family by not only sharing his talent at my Aunt's memorial service, but by helping support us emotionally by lending us his tremendous warmth and spirit at a difficult time. My most sincere condolences to his family and closest friends now. May God bless you and keep you until we all meet again. With love ...
Jean & Donald Tapscott
August 11, 2005
Our deepest sympathies to the Betts family and Roscoe. Keter was a generous, loving and talented man, who made you happy to have known him.
Lori Anne Williams
August 11, 2005
It was my honor to have met and worked with Keter Betts. He was so genuine - down-to-earth - and generous in his sharing of musical knowledge. His kindness and sincere spirit will be greatly missed.
Lori Anne
JOSEPHINE QUARLES
August 11, 2005
My DEEPEST CONDOLENCES To The BETTS FAMILY, IT SADDEN ME TO HEAR THAT "KETER" Is NO LONGER HERE!, THAT HE'S IN A BETTER PLACE NOW WHERE HE CAN PLAY TO "MILDRED" THE LOVELY MUSIC HE WROTE FOR HER! (PINKY'S WALTZ). I MET "KETER" IN "1972" WHILE I WAS WORKING At "I'm TONY'S SUPPER CLUB" In GEORGETOWN,DC. HE PLAYED THERE FOR 3-MONTHS,WHICH WAS THE FIRST TIME I WAS INTRODUCE TO JAZZ!!! HE MADE IT SOUND SO WONDERFUL!, HE HAD 2 OTHER MUSICIAN ACCOMPANYING HIM! (On DRUM'S "BERTELL KNOCKS" and PANIO "REUBEN BROWN") GREAT MUSIC!. SINGER'S CAME IN Each WEEK TO PREFORM WITH "THE KETER BETTS TRIO" LEGENDARY MABLE MERCER, SYLVIA SYMMS, LILLIAN ROTH, CLINT HOLMES AN MANY-MANY OTHERS, I WAS AMAZE HOW HE WOULD PLAY THE LYRICS TO EACH OF THEIR SONGS or THE LATEST SOUNDS/BROADWAY SONGS THAT WERE HIT'S IN THAT ERA', HE WOULD ALWAYS MAKE A SINGER ONSTAGE REALY SHINE!!!!! I WOULD ALWAYS LIKE HIM TO TALK ABOUT HIS WORLD TRAVEL WHEN "DINAH" or "ELLA" WOULD CALL FOR HIM! HE WAS SUCH A GREAT-GREAT ! JAZZ BASSIST THAT WILL SURELY BE MISS!.
Katie Butler-Johnson
August 11, 2005
Mr. Betts was a fixture in our Silver Spring neighborhood. I would always drive by and see him outside watering the lawn and he would always wave. My daughter Kristi went to BBC with Keter's daughters so we knew the family quite well...He will be missed.
Kenneth Stanback
August 11, 2005
To the Family of Mr. Betts,
As a native Washingtonian, I knew of Mr. Betts and enjoyed his music. He had great talent and was open to teaching and sharing it with others. May God strengthen your family during this time and may you be continually blessed for the blessings he continued to give to the youth of our city and others.
He's playing right now and the Master is smiling and happily saying, "welcome home" my son.
Kenneth Stanback
Nasar Abadey
August 11, 2005
It was an honor and pleasure to know Keter, work with him, and be mentored by him. He was truly a Great Master and a Gentleman, with class and distinction. I will miss him immensely.
Ada Babino
August 11, 2005
Keter's memory and good deeds will keep people smiling just as his music has brought us joy over the decades. Now he's joined the heavens to unite with all the wonderful ancestors that contributed to his 77 years on this earth. I know God and all the angles will enjoy the numerous jam sessions that will resonate high in the heavens. Blesssings!
Ada & Savannah Babino
ALICE GLASSMAN MINKOFF
August 10, 2005
WE COULD NOT HAVE ASKED FOR A FINER NEIGHBOR AND LONG TIME FRIEND THAN KETER BETTS. THROUGH THE DECADES WE WERE TREATED TO HIS WINNING SMILE, SPARKLING EYES AND CHEERFUL WORDS. WE WILL SURELY MISS HIM.CONDOLENCES TO ALL OF THE BETTS FAMILY AT THIS TIME.MAY KETER'S MEMORIES BE A BLESSING. PEACE
Alice Glassman Minkoff
August 10, 2005
WE COULD NOT HAVE ASKED FOR A BETTER NEIGHBOR AND FRIEND THAN KETER BETTS- THROUGH THE DECADES HE WAS A GEM OF A MAN- HIS WARM SMILE, SPARKLING EYES AND CHEERFUL WORDS WILL BE MISSED- MY CONDOLENCES TO ALL OF THE BETTS FAMILY- MAY KETER'S MEMORY BE A BLESSING- PEACE
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