Celebration of Gratitude of the Life of Maria (Betts) McMullen When the family thinks of Maria Betts-McMullen the following words come to mind gratitude, service and courage Maria (Betts)-McMullen was born on December 17, 1933 into a Christian family to her parents Albert and Florence Betts in Huntsville, Alabama (Madison County). Maria's family was one of the few families in the South after slavery that were able to seek the finances to buy property. On their family farm lived the Bett's family-great-grand parents, grand-parents, aunts and uncles and cousins. This was during a turbulent time in our country's history, where two societies existed, one black and one white, segregation was an ugly stain on the history of America. The Bett's family like other African American families living in a dual society, believed that if future generations were to succeed and be seen as equal, Education for their children was critical. It was so important for this family that they had a school – the Bett's school a primary school for African American children on their property. Maria attended the school and so did generations of the Bett's family and the African American families of Madison Country until 1948. Maria's family in 1947 were a part of the Great Migration out of the South. Her parents, like many other African Americans, looking to escape increasing racism, specifically one incident, a land dispute with a white neighbor forced Maria's family for the safety of her father to move north to Cincinnati, where other family members had migrated. Maria attended the historically Black Stowe School that was run by Principal Jennie Porter, the first Black woman to receive a PhD from the University of Cincinnati. Maria graduated from Woodward High School. Maria married Charles McMullen, the marriage ended in divorce. Understanding the need to assist in the support of raising a family, Maria went back to school and trained to be a Cosmetologist. After years of working for other beauty shops in Pogues Department store and hotels in downtown Cincinnati, she became self-employed as a Manicurist. Renting space in shops in locations like the Regency in Hyde Park and shops in the community of Madeira. Having been raised in a Christian family, Maria's walk with God was an important part of her life, attending church at Evergreen Missionary Baptist Church and eventually becoming a member of the Southern Baptist Church serving on committees and fulfilling the mission of the church serving the community through volunteer work in nursing homes, reading to residents, helping family and friends with support when they were going through difficult times. Maria loved spending time with her family, dinners, family gatherings, weekly outings with her sister Sadie. Maria was a member of Southern Baptist for over 20 years, attending every Sunday, and only stopped being an active member as a result of a life changing illness. At 58, Maria was diagnosed with Alzheimer's disease. With grace and perseverance she battled this disease for 25 years succumbing to the disease on Sunday, January 3, 2014. Maria is survived by three daughters, Donna Berry, Robin Boyd and Dr. Vickie Mc Mullen, who believe that they were blessed by God to have had Maria as their mother. Maria also leaves behind the following grand children: Ashley Lytle and Megan Lytle, Sheena Wilfong, and great grandchildren: Andrew Wilfong Jr., Alexis Wilfong, Gabrielle, Wilfong and Jordan Wilfong and many nieces and nephews. Additionally, Maria, is survived by a brother James and predeceased by her siblings; Sisters: Alberta Edwards, Katherine, and Sadie Mitchell and Brothers: Albert, Cardiss, Calvin, Marvin, Howard, and Malcolm. Memorial donations can be made in Ms. McMullen's memory to the Alzheimer's Association, Greater Cincinnati Chapter, 644 Linn Street, Suite 1026, Cincinnati, OH 45203. The family would also like to thank the many health care professionals that assisted Maria throughout her illness. Your care for our mother was greatly appreciated. Visitation is from 10:00 am until 11:00 am, on , Friday, January 8, 2016, at the Southern Baptist Church, 3556 Reading Road, Cincinnati (45229). The funeral service will immediately follow the visitation beginning at 11:00 am. Interment will follow at Arlington Memorial Gardens , 2145 Compton Road, Mt. Healthy, Ohio 45231. A Repast Luncheon, will be at Southern Baptist Church following the internment. To share a memory of Maria or leave a special message for the McMullen family, please click the Share Button below. Walker Funeral Home of Mt. Healthy is serving the McMullen family.

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