Betty Briscoe Ange was born on March 22, 1940, to Floyd and Lillian Briscoe and was raised in Moulton, Alabama. From an early age, she developed a lifelong love of sports and competition. As a child she enjoyed ballet lessons, and because her father was a high school coach, many Sunday afternoons were spent playing badminton and croquet with his players and their families. Those experiences helped shape her lifelong appreciation for athletics, teamwork, and fellowship.
Betty graduated from Decatur High School in 1958 before attending Florence State Teachers College. She earned her Bachelor of Science degree from The University of Alabama in 1961 and completed her Master’s degree in 1963.
On August 26, 1961, she married the love of her life, Jerry Ange, beginning a marriage marked by devotion, partnership, and shared faith. Betty began her teaching career at Tuscaloosa County High School, where she taught for two years. In 1964, Jerry joined the law firm of Ford, Caldwell, Ford and Payne, and the couple made Huntsville their home. Betty continued her teaching career at Lee High School until 1967.
Their first son, Jerry Bland “Jay” Ange, Jr., was born in December 1967, followed by their second son, Edward William Ange, on November 9, 1975. As her sons grew, Betty devoted herself to raising her family while remaining actively involved in their lives. Whether cheering from the sidelines at countless soccer games or encouraging them in their pursuits, she was one of their greatest supporters.
Betty later returned to Lee High School, where she taught English, Business Communications, and Business Law until her retirement in 1994. She was a gifted educator who cared deeply about her students and took pride in preparing them not only for careers but for everyday life.
Throughout her life, Betty was active in the Huntsville community. She was a member of the Carillon Club of Huntsville, the Huntsville Symphony Guild, and was involved during the founding and opening of Alabama Constitution Hall. She and Jerry were longtime members of the Faith Sunday School Class at First United Methodist Church, where they formed many lasting friendships.
Betty found joy in many hobbies and interests. She loved playing tennis, traveling, bridge clubs, needlepoint, cross-stitch, and ceramics. She faithfully followed professional tennis as well as University of Alabama football and basketball, always cheering enthusiastically for the Crimson Tide.
Betty never lacked for conviction and faced life with a steadfast, determined spirit. She spoke her mind freely and lived according to her beliefs, leaving memories as enduring and varied as the lives she touched. Her relationships reflected the complexities that often accompany a life fully lived. She will be remembered by those who knew her in many different ways.
Betty will be remembered for her unwavering dedication as an educator. She delighted in watching her students, children and grandchildren grow and celebrating their accomplishments.
She is survived by her husband, Jerry Ange; son, Jay Ange (Cate) and their children, Lillie and Jake; her son, Edward Ange (Sunny) and his daughter, Maya.
Visitation will be from 5 to 7 p.m. on Wednesday, July 1, 2026, at Laughlin Service Funeral Home.
