Bettye B. Martin was born on February 4, 1933, in Greensboro, North Carolina, to the late Andrew and Gussie Watlington Blackwell. Bettye peacefully transitioned from earth to heaven on May 26, 2026, at the age of 93.

Bettye graduated from Brown Summit High School and continued her education at Durham Business College, Guilford Technical Community College (GTCC), and beauty school. A trailblazer throughout her life, she became one of the first Black women to integrate a hair school near the military base where she lived with her former husband, Bill Martin, and was the first Black employee to integrate First Home Federal Savings and Loan.

Bettye enjoyed a successful 19-year career with AT&T before retiring. Following her retirement, she worked as a secretary at the University of North Carolina at Greensboro and later served as Secretary at Union Memorial United Methodist Church until her health began to decline. Bettye was a faithful member of Union Memorial United Methodist Church for more than 50 years, where she also participated in the Tuesday Fellowship and United Methodist Women.

Bettye was preceded in death by her parents, Andrew and Gussie Watlington Blackwell; her sister and brother-in-law, Sallie and Melvin Smith; her sister, Janice Brown; her brother and sister-in-law, Ralph and Virginia Blackwell; her nephew, Lamont Smith; and her great-nephew, Sean Cobb.

Bettye will be remembered for her faith, strength, determination, pioneering spirit, and unwavering devotion to family. As the eldest sibling and beloved family matriarch, she touched generations with her honesty, resilience, and unmistakable personality. Her family affectionately described her best by saying, “That’s just Aunt Bettye… with an E.”

Funeral service will be held Wednesday, June 10, 2026, 11:30 a.m. Union Memorial United Methodist Church 1012 E Gate City Blvd, Greensboro, NC 27406 Visitation 11:00 a.m.

Public viewing Tuesday, June 9, 2026 12:00pm - 4:30pm Perry J. Brown Funeral Home Chapel.

Burial will be held at Lakeview Memorial Park 3600 N O.Henry Blvd, Greensboro, NC 27405.