Bettie White was born on December 23, 1954 to the late Richard White and Mary Magalene White in Tarheel, North Carolina. She was the fifth of 12 children. She departed this life to be with the Lord on August 19, 2024.

Bettie moved to Philadelphia with her family at the age of 3. She was educated in the Philadelphia school system and graduated from Overbrook High School. She worked as a Nursing Assistant for years and also for the School District of Philadelphia as a bus driver. She retired from the School District in July 2022 after 32 years of employment. Bettie was also an entrepreneur. She owned and managed several properties in the city of the Philadelphia. She passed this entrepreneurial spirit to her two sons, Calvin and Kwanzaa. She worked hard to send both of her children to Catholic schools and help put them through college. She always placed an emphasis on education and was known to buy educational books for her kids, nieces and nephews above their grade level to help them become advanced. Bettie enjoyed gardening, taking shopping trips with her sisters, spending time with her family and helping others. Bettie was fun, loving and caring. At family gatherings, if "Electric Slide" came on she was the first one on the dance floor. She was well know for her "World Famous" tuna salad and made it during family gatherings. Although she achieved many successes throughout her professional life, her primary job was as a servant of the Lord. Bettie was a proud member of Sharon Baptist Church for the past 25 years and she served as a greeter for 10 years. Prior to that, she was a member of Golden Gate Baptist Church. She faithfully attended bible study and prayer groups from both churches throughout the week. In spite of the circumstances, Bettie's faith never wavered. She remained faithful to God throughout her ordeal and never once questioned "why?". She was a strong person that defied odds. Bettie fought this battle with honor and dignity from beginning to end while remaining steadfast in her faith.

Bettie was preceded in death by her father, Richard White and her mother, Mary Magelene White. Bettie is survived by: her two children, Calvin White, Sr. and Kwanzaa Timmons, Sr. daughters-in-law, Kristine White and Kia Timmons; granddaughter, Kayla White; grandsons, Calvin White, Jr., Kwanzaa Timmons, Jr., and Kyrin Timmons; siblings, Eddie Willis White (Rose), Erlise White, Lorena White, Richard White (Regina), Douglas White, Sr. (Janie), Irvin White (Denise), Sherod White (Kurt), Sheila White Wallace (Kevin), Thomas White (Vivian), Kim White and Carol White Keese (Marshall); godson, Donnell White; god daughter's, Markietra Keese and Donya Cooper; and aunt, Jeanette Lane McCoy. She also leaves behind a host of loving nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.