Betsy Louise Council is the daughter of the late Archie L. Butler Sr. and Lucy Butler Turner. She was born in Deatsville, Alabama in 1933 as one of their 5 children. She departed this life suddenly on April 9, 2020.
She grew up in Sylacauga, Alabama and attended school in the Sylacauga school system. The family eventually moved to Anniston, Alabama where she started her work life. During the 1950s the family relocated to New York and eventually New Haven, Connecticut in search for better job opportunities. Betsy married Robert Council, Sr. and they raised 7 children in New Haven, Connecticut eventually relocating to Greenville, North Carolina to help Robert’s dad, Arthur Council, Sr. farm tobacco.
Betsy was a loving mother who took pride in raising her children and building a strong family unit. She worked in the Pitt County school system as a manager for the school cafeteria in excess of 20 years. Her final employment was in New Haven, Connecticut at the Newhallville Day Care Center, New Haven, Connecticut as the manager for their food services program. Through the years she planned and prepared meals for countless youth. She took great pride in knowing she was making an impact by feeding many children who only received a balanced meal at school. Betsy was a very quiet but very thoughtful parent who disciplined through talking more and teaching her children what was right. She especially enjoyed her relationships with her friends at work and maintained lifelong friendships with her coworkers, Mary Wright, Verna Jordan, Gloristine Brown, Gloristine Hopkins, and Rena Teel.
She was a member Wayfaring Ministries and was a mother of the church under the leadership of Pastor Eugene Brunson. She later moved her membership to New Light Ministries under the leadership of Pastor David Council, Sr.
She was preceded in death by her husband, Robert Lee Council, Sr.; and her siblings, Archie L. Butler, Jr (Carolyn), Sylvester Butler (Joyce), and James Thomas Butler (Lillian).
She leaves to mourn her passing a sister, Katie Francis Smith, of New Haven, Connecticut; 4 sons, David C. Council, Sr. (Ruth) of Winterville, NC, William Anthony Council (Annette) of Middletown, Connecticut, James Bryant Council (Eloise) of Greenville, NC, and Robert Council, Jr. (Angeline) of Raleigh, NC; 3 daughters, Jean Simmons (Stan) of Odenton, Md, Patricia L. Council of Hamden, Connecticut and Lois Annette Cooper of Raleigh, NC; 16 grandchildren, 29 great grandchildren and 3 great, great grandchildren; 3 brothers-in-law, Jesse L. Council (Elizabeth), Walter B. Council (Mildred) and Thomas Council (Esther); 5 sisters-in-law, Marion Council Mitchell, Stella Council Mooring, Delores Council Johnson, Erlene Council and Sherry Council; and host of nieces, nephews and cousins.
Interment will be in Evergreen Cemetery. A memorial service is planned for a future date after the coronavirus restrictions have been lifted.
SENDING MY SINCERE CONDOLENCES TO LOIS AND THE REST OF THE COUNCIL FAMILY PRAYING THAT THE GOOD LORD GIVE YOU ALL THE STRENGTH TO GET THROUGH SUCH A DIFFICULT TIME MRS. COUNCIL WAS SUCH A NICE AND BEAUTIFUL WOMAN SHE WILL BE MISSED DEARLY REST PEACEFULLY IN HEAVEN❤❤
Condolences to the Council family. I feel like a part of the family since I have known Mrs. Bessie for many years. She was always a sweet and loving mother as well as a beautiful person. Glad to have had the privilege of knowing such a wonderful woman of God.
Grandma will truly be missed. I’ll never for the times I sat in your kitchen on that yellow step stool watching prepare my favorite dessert peach cobbler and your chicken wings with the vinegar sauce ? You always let me lick the sauce from pan. On my birthday for as long as I could remember, you was always the first to wish me happy birthday. This is by far the toughest thing I’ve ever had to experience in my life. I miss our video chats and seeing your bright beautiful smile. I know in my heart your watching over us. I love you granny?
We send our condolences to the family we are praying for you and we love you
Our sincere condolences to the Council family. We loved mother very much and are blessed to have known and fellowshiped with her. She truly touched our lives in a way that we will always cherish. Her wisdom and loving nature along with her sense of humor will never be forgotten.
God bless ?
Condolences and prayers for the family. Mrs Council was one of my Mother dearest friend. Our families had shared so much over the years. May she Rest In Peace and I pray that the Big Three (Uverna, Mary Ella and Betsy ) will be together cooking up a feast in heaven and watching over their family.
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Deepest condolences on the loss of my mother-in-law of 39 years. Mrs. Council was a friend in so many ways. She took time to talk to me and to give solid advice and comments as Jean and I worked to lead our best married life. I could always count on her to be honest and caring. I especially liked her attitude and demonstrated respect and love. She let me know that she cared for me and wanted my success. She travelled with us throughout the United States and Europe and was always easy to be around. My deepest condolences to all who knew her, especially my wife and her siblings. Godspeed. Enjoy your rest.
Prayers and Thoughts with Mrs.Council Family.I was Mrs.Council caregiver some years back.She was a Sweet & Caring Lady.May God be with you all today and always.
David and Ruth, Sorry for your loss. May God give you the peace which passeth all understanding, that shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus. Praying for the entire family. Love You!!
Jean & Stan My sincere condolences to you and your family. Ms Betsy was such a quiet sweet soul I’m Privileged to have known her.
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Grandma will truly be missed. A few of my fondest memories of you was watching you in the kitchen. I can remember sitting on that yellow stepstool while you made my favorite dessert “peach cobbler??Or when you would cook those chicken wings with the vinegar sauce and leave the juice in the pan for me to lick ?? I know that your in a better place now. Having to deal with grandma’s loss has been the hardest and most painful experience of my life. I will miss our video chats and seeing that beautiful bright smile! I love you granny????
When I first met Ms. Betsy, she reminded me of my grandmother. I found her to be a very sweet and quiet woman. That’s that quiet strength , I found in her. Always polite and you can see that she loved her family. My condolences to the family for your loss. Sending good vibes to all of you. Rest In Power Queen Betsy. Ase.
Sending our condolences from Brooklyn. You know we love you and would be there if we could.
Grandma your phone number is the ONLY one I know by heart, you’ve had it do sooooo long. Without the help of technology I could call you at anytime from any place and you would always answer. I love you dearly and my heart is so heavy as I write but I know you are in a much better place. Today we lay you to rest and I can’t be there in the physical which breaks my heart. Thank you for loving me and taking care of me as a child., thank you for your wisdom and never judging me. You always did everything with love, you were a blessing. Thank you for the recipes. Thank you for being a constant in my life. I will miss you dearly and I will always hold you close to my heart, Love, your granddaughter LaTonya
You are in the Sherman family’s prayers and we love you
Annette, you and the family are in my thoughts and prayers.
What can I say but how I will miss your mom/grandmother. In being selfish, I wish she could’ve stayed longer but I know once she got a glimpse of heaven, there was no turning back even for those she loved and left behind. She was a loving, sweet and great woman of God….RIP… I will remember her always.
Deep heartfelt condolences to Jean, Stan and Betsy’s world of family, friends and ministry members. We forever hold very fond memories of she and Jean visiting us in Odenton on a wintry evening. Betsy Louise, a quiet giant of hearts, her laughter, joy and love will always resound in our home. Much love, strength and prayers as she now assumes her role as an omnipresent Angel who protects her family and hovers over all whom she met. Rest in comfort and love. – Jade and Jennie Wu
Truth Ministries extend their condolences and prayers to Overseer David Council and entire family. While you all are walking through this time of loss, know that the Lord is walking with you. He will comfort you when our words fall short. Be blessed.
Jean I am so very sorry for the enormous lost of your Mother. You and Stan are in my prayers. I hope you are comforted by family, friends and especially her sweet memory. Nothing like a good Mother!!!
My condolences to Jean and Stan Simmons, the Council family, and all family and friends of Mrs. Betsy Council. Your hearts are heavy and saddened at this time; however, we know that Miss Betsy’s work here in the earthly realm was purposeful and finished when God called her home. She is gone to be with the Lord and will Rest in Eternal Peace. Cherish the many memories made and lessons learned from her time with you all. God Bless. Rest In Peace Mrs Council.
I offer my deepest condolences to the family and fiends of Mrs. Council. I pray for your comfort, strength, and peace as you prepare for the ‘new normal’ of life without your loved one. Soror Jean Simmons, I send virtual hugs to you.
The Levy family extends their condolences to Jean and family. We are truly sorry for your loss but we understand that its heaven’s gain. We pray comfort, peace and understanding to you and your family during this difficult time.
With Love,
Rodney & Laquisha Levy and Lauren & Ashton
Jean,
We are sorry for your loss. We pray God’s presence comforts you and your family during this time of bereavement.
Love,
Ashton and Lauren Levy
Overseer David Council and Pastor Ruth Council l am so sorry to hear of yr lose we know that yr mother isn’t lose and that she is with our/her Heavenly Father just know that u r in our prayers
Extending my sincere. condolences to Pat and Family during such great loss
Can not believe you are gone. I miss you so bad that it hurts. I would give anything to have you back. You were a terrific mother. Loved by so many. Pray to see you again. Rest in heaven!! Love Pat