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In memory of
Naomi Garrison Clark
August 24, 1958 - May 21, 2021
Aug 24, 1958 - May 21, 2021
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Naomi's obituary
Naomi spent her childhood and adolescent years in Brooklyn, NY, where she attended New York City public schools. She graduated from John Dewey High School in Brooklyn in 1976, before enrolling in Anderson College in Anderson, Indiana. During her time at Anderson, she met Mitchell Bettis. Naomi and Mitchell were married on August 9, 1980. Miriam Naomi U Bettis and Austin Mitchell Garrison Bettis were born to this union. Naomi earned her Bachelor of Arts degree in Early Childhood Education in 1982.
Naomi expressed an early commitment to Christian discipleship and maintained that commitment her entire life. Her dedication to God was evident by her words of encouragement, sharing of scripture, prayer, and song.
Naomi had a beautiful singing voice that she used throughout her life. Whether singing with the Fruit of the Spirit college group, harmonizing with the Brownsville Trio, participating in and/or leading worship at the church, or recording a short song for her incoming voicemail greeting, she never missed the opportunity to make a joyful noise. Singing “He Shall Give His Angels Charge Over Thee…” to her grandchildren was one of her greatest joys.
In addition to her love of music, Naomi had a passion for working with children. To this end, she was employed as a school bus driver, teacher’s assistant, hospital childcare worker, and pre-school teacher. She offered tutoring services and volunteered as Sunday school teacher at various points in her life. One of her most rewarding experiences was her employment with The Salvation Army as a house mom. During that time she served more than 100 children.
Naomi had a loving, caring, and quirky personality that she displayed daily. A self-described foodie, she always carried a personal shaker of hot cayenne pepper in her purse just in case something she was eating wasn’t quite spicy enough. Her loving and caring spirit shined through in her love of animals, her enjoyment of long conversations with friends and family, and her ability to make people feel welcomed.
Naomi passed away peacefully on Friday, May 21, 2021 in Triangle, Virgina. She leaves to mourn two children, Miriam Naomi U Bettis and Austin Mitchell Garrison Bettis (Ashleigh); two siblings, Dr. Lorrine Alyce Garrison Boyd, and Dr. S’rah Alliyah Yisrael; one Aunt, Mary Garrison Wright; cousins Dr. Roslyn E. Bacon, Leslie Arlette Boyce, Dalmar R. E. James II, Daria K. James, Alan Wright, Robert Wright, Yolanda Brookins, Roberta Fisher, John Garrison, Augusta Garrison, and Anastacia Fisher, who also stepped into the role of devoted caregiver towards the end of Naomi’s life; nieces and nephews Carl Toure Boyd, Benjamin Christopher Garrison Logan, Malcolm Garrison Boyd, Danielle Monique Stephen, and Jewel Marie Stephen; grandchildren Amayah Hope Bettis, Amari Benjamin Bettis, and Haddie Joy Bettis; a host of extended family, friends, and colleagues.
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Created with love by
Austin Bettis (Naomi's son) and
Miriam Naomi U Bettis (Naomi's daughter).
