Betty Rose Black

On Thursday, February, 29, 2024, Betty Rose Black, lost her 4-year battle with Acute Myeloid Leukemia. Betty was born as Rose Swetland on July 19, 1930 in the Bronx, New York to Herbert and Mary Swetland. She had 2 older brothers, an older sister, and a younger brother. She and all her siblings were sent to an orphanage when Rose was 2 years old. Rose was adopted when she was 5 years old by William and Lulu Caulk of Dover, Delaware. This is when Rose received her name Betty Rose Caulk. Betty remained the Caulk’s only child. As a teen, Betty enjoyed playing the piano, organ, and clarinet. She also loved to sing. After high school she attended Wesley Junior College and continued music studies for 2 years. At 18, she was first runner up for Miss Dover Delaware. After college, she married her first husband, and they had a daughter, Betty Ann Fetterman. They later divorced. Betty worked at various jobs, but her favorite was at the Pentagon as a secretary for 16 years. Another job she enjoyed was at Stewart Title and Escrow for 30 years. While working at the Pentagon, she met her second husband, Clyde Lloyd Black. They had 5 children together; Deborah Graver, Michael Black (predeceased), Barbara Black, Kathleen Black, and Bonnie Jackson. They also had 4 grandchildren; Richard Graver, Jr., Steven Graver, Serena Jackson, Jason Hall; and 1 step grandson, Kenneth Jones, Jr. Betty and Clyde also had 2 son-in-laws; Richard Graver, Sr. and Kenneth Jones, Sr. The marriage ended in divorce. Betty resided at Culpepper Garden since 2015. She enjoyed the many activities that were offered there especially karaoke as she loved to sing. She sometimes played piano and sang with the many friends and residents that she met there. Betty also loved to crochet and watch her tv. Betty was well loved especially by her family. You would rarely see her without a smile.