Bette Ann Muhammad

Bette, daughter of Mr. Clarence James SR. and Mrs. Lubertha James was born on July 21, 1950 in Plaquemine, Louisiana. She was the youngest daughter of 13 children.

Bette received her formal education from Iberville High School in Louisiana. After high school, this southern girl followed her California dreams and moved to Oakland. Determined to make those dreams come true, she landed a job at the Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory as a File Clerk, but in the following years moved up the ladder to become a Health and Safety Technician. She met and married a man by the name of Jerry Epson. The two have 3 children together; Hana, Asokah, and Danielle.

Though life and its many responsibilities took precedence over her personal goals for a time, Bette wasn't finished going after her dreams. She wanted to go to college. In honor of her mother who did not have the luxury to attend herself, Bette went, and by the grace of God, the laboratory she worked for paid her college tuition. She attended the University of Phoenix, and in her mid 50's our southern girl received a well deserved Bachelor's Degree in Science and Human Services. Bette retired a few years after getting her degree, but was then diagnosed with breast cancer. The average person may have gotten discouraged, but her will and desire to overcome reigned true. She survived with the help of God and the assistance of her children. Danielle showed her how to tie a head scarf and went with her to try on wigs to help boost her mother’s confidence after losing hair during chemo treatments. Asokah was there to make sure she maintained her appointments as well as making sure she stayed active. Hana was always there comforting her with emotional support like a nurturing mother to a daughter. But it was in Bette's backyard garden where she got a little closer to God. Planting seeds and seeing them grow and eating the harvest helped her to see the creator in a new way. The life she planted gave her new life; and she lived to be a survivor.

She leaves to cherish her memory and her legacy 3 loving Children - Hana L. Coleman, Asokah Muhammad, and Danielle Muhammad: 3 Grandchildren - Aasha A. Coleman, Isaiah R. Woods and Charles L. Coleman III: 1 Son in Law - Charles L. Coleman II: 1 Sister - Rebecca Lynn Kelly and a host of cousins, nieces and nephews whom she loved.

A graveside service for Bette will be held Friday, November 22 at 2:00 pm Rosehaven Memorial Park 8640 Rose Avenue Douglasville, GA 30134. Whitley Garner at Rosehaven is honored to be entrusted with the arrangements of Bette Ann Muhammad.