Betty Jean Berryman was born November 15, 1945 to the late Phillip and Doris Thompson Ward. She was called home to spend her eternal life with Christ on November 22, 2022. Betty Jean was a member of First Baptist Church, where she remained a well-known faithful member until her death. Betty Jean was a very educated woman who stood up for the protection and rights of her people. She was affected by the school closing in Prince Edward county during the period of Massive Resistance. During this time, she moved to live with her maternal grandparents, Willie and Betty Thompson, where she attended Luther H. Foster High School. She later returned to Farmville, Virginia and graduated from R.R. Moton High School. In 1963, at the height of the Civil Rights Movement, Betty stood her grounds while protesting, supporting and demonstrating the rights for her people which lead to her arrest. Betty was proud and held her head high and gained strong supporters who did the same. She was a very influential leader during that time in our history. She was an active member of the Prince Edward County Branch of NAACP. Betty Jean earned her Bachelors of Arts Degree in Education from Virginia State University in Petersburg, VA. She taught at Bacon District School in Charlotte County, VA for 2 years. In 1978, she started teaching at Cumberland High School and remained there until she retired in 2007. During Betty’s 32 years of teaching, she had a very effective impact on the lives of many students and colleagues. Betty Jean was an avid collector of Black Dolls and she loved to cook from the heart for her family and close friends. God knows our time of returning home from the day we’re born in this world. No one knows that but our Almighty Savior. Betty’s work was complete here with us and God said, “Betty, you have done a great job! You have completed all the tasks that I have asked of you. You have done well raising your family and taking care of others. It’s time to come home now and rest. Job well done!!” She leaves to cherish her memories: loving and dedicated daughter, Monica Ward of Farmville, VA; devoted son, Toris Ward of New York; seven step-children, Oscar, Jr., Phillip, Cynthia, Keith, Roger, Dwayne and Andre; three grandchildren, Rasheen, Courtney and Kia Ward; one brother, Gerald (Ivy) Ward; two sisters, Phyllistine (Samuel) Mosley and Angela Ward; three aunts, Sarah, Hattie and Florence Thompson; one uncle, Robert (Alice) Thompson; a loving godson, Steve Jennings; and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins and friends