Bettye Fletcher Comer

Dr. Bettye Fletcher Comer, 84, of Waterford, and North Haven, passed away peacefully June 2, 2022, surrounded by her family. Born in rural Wadesboro, N.C., July 19, 1937, Bettye moved with her mother and grandmother to New London, in 1950.

She graduated from New London High School and received her Bachelor of Science degree from Central Connecticut State University. She went on to earn a master's degree in education from Eastern Connecticut State University and her sixth-year diploma in professional education from the University of Connecticut. In 1995, she earned a doctorate in education from Columbia University.

Bettye spent most of her educational career in leadership positions in the Connecticut public school system. She began as an English and social studies teacher at Ledyard Junior-Senior High before becoming a reading teacher and school social worker. In 1970, she was appointed Dean of Girls at New London High School. She became New London's first Black principal in 1973, when she assumed the leadership of Nameaug School. She later served as principal of Winthrop School in New London. Bettye closed out her career in public education in the Stamford school system, where she was first a principal and later a central office administrator until her retirement in 1996.

After retirement, Bettye continued her work in education and community development through service on several non-profit boards in Connecticut and New York. The board positions include trustee of Mitchell College in New London, trustee of the New London, CT Development Corporation and trustee of the Community Foundation of Eastern Connecticut, where she established an educational scholarship fund in 1996.

In New York, she was previously a director of the Fletcher Foundation, a member of the Teachers Advisory Board of the New School for Social Research, a member of the New York State Regents Task Force Subcommittee, a trustee of the Theatre Development Fund and a trustee of the Bank Street College of Education.

Bettye was also a member of numerous organizations committed to volunteer service and social engagement. Among them are the New Haven chapter of the Links (past president), Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Rotary International, the New London Chapter of the National Council of Negro Women (past president), and the NAACP.

In recognition of her work in education, Bettye received numerous honors and distinctions. They include the Distinguished Alumnae Award from the Neag School of Education of the University of Connecticut, the President's Award of Merit from Connecticut College and both the President's Medal and an honorary doctorate from the Bank Street College of Education. She was a member of the honorary educational organizations Phi Delta Kappa and Delta Kappa Gamma.

Bettye was preceded in death by her parents, Clarence Jones and Ruth Edwards; her stepfather Boss Willie Edwards; and siblings, Tyler and Elizabeth. She was also predeceased by the late Alphonse Fletcher Sr. (d. 1990), whom she married June 27, 1964. On July 11, 2004, Bettye married Professor James P. Comer, M.D., who survives her. She is also survived by sons, Alphonse Jr., Todd, and Geoffrey Fletcher; granddaughter Matilda Fletcher; nephews, Samuel, Herman and Larry Smith; niece Janet Robinson; and stepchildren, Brian Comer and Dawn Jefferson. Bettye leaves cousins, Ingried Downes, Sherian Jackson and Carolyn Scott; step-grandchildren, Nicole and Natalie Jefferson and Brian Comer II; as well as a host of devoted nieces and nephews on the Fletcher side.

Calling hours will be held from 4 to 7 p.m. Friday, June 10, at the Fulton-Theroux Funeral Home, located at 181 Ocean Avenue in New London. The funeral service will be private. A public ceremony celebrating the life of Dr. Bettye Fletcher Comer will be announced at a later date.