Martha Jean Thomas Betts of Decatur passed away on October 28, 2026. She was born January 26,1934 in Tuscaloosa, AL, to Cathorine and Melvin Thomas.She is survived by her husband of 73 years, the Rev. Charles F. Betts; her son, Dr. Charles F. Betts, Jr. (Sylvia) of Decatur; brother, Edward Thomas (Nan) of Birmingham; niece, Karen Thomas of Birmingham; grandchildren Cathorine Betts Temple (Forrest) of Decatur, Andrew Betts (Lyndsey) of Cedar Park, TX and Phillip Betts (Kelly) of Colorado Springs, CO. She was also blessed with great granddaughters: Leta, Eliza and Rosemary Temple; and Mila and Ellie Betts.
She was preceded in death by her daughter, Cathorine Elaine Betts.
Martha attended the University of Alabama where she played in the Million Dollar Band and received her Masters of Education. She loved children and was an elementary school teacher for many years. She was a lifelong member of the United Methodist Church.
Visitation will be held Friday, November 6, 10:30-11:15 at Central United Methodist Church in Decatur followed by a Celebration of Life service at 11:30 with the Rev. Wayne Hicks and the Rev. Charles Alexander officiating.
In lieu of flowers, remembrance gifts are suggested to Central United Methodist Church, St. Jude’s Children’s Hospital or Food Bank of North Alabama.
