Born in Columbus, Mississippi, on February 27, 1934, Bettie was the cherished daughter of Curtis and Blanche Collins, Sr.
In her youth, Bettie's family relocated to Birmingham, AL, where she graduated from Parker High School in 1950. She embarked on her journey of higher education, briefly attending undergrad courses at Miles College. On October 7, 1953, Bettie entered into matrimony with Milton Carter, Sr. in Warwick, VA. Together, they nurtured a loving family, blessed with two children: Evangeline Carter Crawford (deceased) and Milton Carter, Jr. (Yolanda) of El Paso.
Bettie dedicated herself to a distinguished career as a Federal Civil Servant. Commencing as a Clerk Typist in 1968 at William Beaumont Army Medical Center, she ascended through various roles, both domestically and abroad. Continuing her education alongside her professional pursuits, Bettie earned a B.A. degree in Business Administration from the University of Texas at El Paso in 1980. In 1977, she commenced her tenure at White Sands Missile Range (WSMR) as an Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) Specialist/Black History Program Manager, retiring in April 1993.
Beyond her professional endeavors, Bettie was deeply engaged in civic activities and organizations. She was a devoted member of the Eta Pi Omega Chapter of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority Inc., The Links, Inc., Daughters of ISIS/Oro Court #20, Fort Bliss NCO Wives Club, El Paso Black History Month Parade, Wedding Cake Maker, Girl Scout troop leader, Seamstress, Artist, Women’s Dept of the El Paso Chamber, McCall’s Center, and served as a Docent at the El Paso Museum of History.
Bettie is preceded in death by her beloved husband Milton Carter, Sr., her daughter Evangeline Carter Crawford, her father Curtis Collins, Sr., her mother Blanche Collins, her brother Curtis Collins, Jr., and sister-in-law Peggy Collins.
Left to cherish her memory is her son Milton Carter, Jr. (Yolanda), five grandchildren: Jonathan A. Carter, Daniel L. Carter, Desmond G. Carter, Frederick “Ricky” Crawford, and Erika N Crawford-Thomas (Calvin), along with her six great-grandchildren and five great-great-grandchildren. Additionally, a host of cousins and friends mourn her passing.
A visitation for Bettie will be held Wednesday, February 14, 2024 from 5:00 PM to 9:00 PM at Crestview Funeral Home, 1462 North Zaragoza Rd, El Paso, TX 79936. A funeral service will occur Thursday, February 15, 2024 at 12:00 PM at Holy Light Church of God in Christ, 5928 Trowbridge Dr., El Paso, Texas 79905. A graveside service will follow at 2:30 PM at Fort Bliss National Cemetery, 5200 Fred Wilson Ave, El Paso, Texas 79906.
