Iris E. Betton

Iris Elizabeth Mitchell was born on January 17, 1924 in the parish of Manchester, Jamaica, West Indies to parents Louisa & Thomas Mitchell. She was the 7th of 8 children. Her extensive life education started at Daveyton School in Manchester. She loved reading, writing short stories, mathematics, playing and excelling in volley ball. Her favorite book was the Bible. She enjoyed sewing, gardening, baking,

Jamaican Rum Cake was her specialty.

In June 1954 she married Leonardo Clarence Earle Baton. The union produced seven children- five girls: Hyacinth Rosetta, Valarie Joyce, Audreen Monica, Joan Millicent and Claudette Angella; Two Boys: Wilton Alexander and Granville Clarence Earle. Mama worked tirelessly in caring for the family. She was especially skilled at horticulture and animal rearing.

She ensured that the children learned about God by reading Bible stories to them every night before bed when they were little. She also encouraged them to be diligent with their schooling so as to be able to care for themselves as adults.

One of her greatest joys was learning about Jehovah. In 1955 she got baptized as one of Jehovah's witnesses. She remained faithful throughout her life.

In 1968 she migrated to USA and worked at the Warwick Hotel in Manhattan, New York until she retired in 1988. During that time she sponsored her family to live in the USA, where the children continued their education in Engineering, Nursing, Architecture and Building Design Construction Management. Through all these years, Iris kept busy sowing kingdom seeds with the children. So far three of her children and one granddaughter have been baptized as one of Jehovah's witnesses. It was her prayer that other seeds will germinate and grow.

After retirement she went back to Jamaica to the parish of St. Thomas. There she was with the Yallahs Congregation where she made many lasting friendships in the ministry as she expressed her love for Jehovah, Jesus Christ and the neighbors. Her hope is to live on a paradise earth and she eagerly made her surroundings beautiful by planting fruit trees and flowers.

In St. Thomas, Jamaica the street on which she lived was renamed Batton Ave by the Government in recognition for her beautifying the area. She said 'Pm just preparing for the paradise'.

In 2004, Sister Betton returned to USA and settled in Palm Bay, Florida with her daughters, Hyacinth, Audreen and granddaughter, Jolee Peart. She was a member of the Minton Congregation. There she enjoyed much love and warm friendships as she did what she could in serving Jehovah.

She was preceded in death by her loving husband and daughter, Joan Millicent.

She left behind 6 children, 21 grandchildren, 30 greatgrands, 5 great great grand', nieces, nephews and one sister Basis Morgan.

Mom use to say like Job, I’m satisfied. I have seen my 4th generation.