Deaconess Betty C. Garrett Jacobs

To view the funeral service via Youtube click the link below. https://www.youtube.com/live/4CjQwQlLOaI?si=YVjk179LF3OW6MLh To view the funeral service via Facebook click the link below: https://www.facebook.com/ZandersFuneralLIVE/ Humble Beginnings Betty Cille Moss, a loving wife, mother, grandmother, sister, aunt, and church mother, was born on January 13, 1940, in Notasulga, Alabama, to Ed D. and Florence Moss. She was the second of five children. Affectionately called “Honey Dew” by her father because of her sweet little chubby cheeks, her family later shortened her nickname to “Hundo,” which family members and close friends fondly called her, and to which she always answered. Betty moved to Apopka, Florida, with her family at the age of three. She attended Phyllis Wheatley Elementary and Senior High School in the 1950s, where she was known for her great athletic skills on the basketball court. She was a member of the school marching band, where she played the clarinet, and she was also a majorette. Betty's early employment included working at Hickerson Plant Nursery in Apopka as a plant specialist and then at Sunland Training Center in Orlando as a developmental specialist, caring for children with special needs. She also worked as a photo lab technician in Orlando and Dayron Corporation in Orlando in the production department. Betty was deeply involved in her community, serving as a poll worker for many years with the Orange County Supervisor of Elections. At Home In the 1960s, Betty moved to the Richmond Heights subdivision in Orlando and became one of many young residents of this community. Later, Betty was blessed to unite with her love, Alphonso Jacobs; they shared a 50-year union and a blended family of seven children: Deborah, Hellaka, Freda, Marnita, Alvin, Tracy, Jarvis, and Melinda. Betty was her neighborhood’s plant and flower goddess, maintaining an immaculate lawn with her husband Alphonso and cultivating a variety of colorful flowers from plant cuttings collected from neighbors’ yards. Betty was also a fashionista, known for wearing the most elegantly styled hats and carefully selected matching apparel for all occasions. It was common to see Alphonso and Betty in color-coordinated outfits at church and during their many outings as a couple. Her Christian Journey Betty’s Christian journey began at a very early age when she joined and was baptized at St. Elizabeth Holiness Church in Apopka, Florida, where the late Reverend Mother Nora Edwards was the founder. Years later, she joined Bethlehem Missionary in Orlando under the leadership of the late Reverend L.W. Wilson, where she was a faithful member, sang in the adult choir, and served on other church ministries. Betty continued her work for the Kingdom of God under Pastors Drs. Richard and Ingrid Bishop of the Agape Assembly Baptist Church for 31 years. Her faith grew by leaps and bounds as she demonstrated her love for God’s house and God's word continuously. Throughout her years of dedication and commitment, Deaconess Betty Jacobs held various positions in the ministry where her true character was always on display. As director of the Bread of Heaven food ministry, one of her most passionate forms of outreach, she imparted both physical and spiritual nourishment, exhibiting compassion and empathy to everyone regardless of their race or back-ground. Her role as the Deaconess President was marked by her staunch belief in representing God as a chosen leader, inspiring her to train young women to be God-conscious. As choir president, her meticulousness regarding uniformity and continuity was paramount when singing to the glory of God. As a faithful member of the Sista Circle Women's Ministry, she never missed an outing, conference, excursion, or meeting. Her wholeheartedness and enthusiasm were consistently on display. Sunday school and Bible study epitomized her love for learning the word of God, and she couldn't wait to share the knowledge she gained from her studies with others. Deaconess Betty Jacobs was consecrated as the mother of the church, to which the endearing name “Mama J” was bestowed upon her. Mother J was not only the mother of Agape but a mother to all, exemplifying Christ-like characteristics to the entire community and everyone she met. She poured her heart and soul into the role of Pastor Care Coordinator and was known as the voice of the pastor, embodying the love and respect she held for them as if they were her own. Mother J could always be relied upon to assist others with an encouraging word, a heartfelt prayer (using her blessed oil, of course), and honest advice, even if it wasn't what you wanted to hear. Using her vehicle as both a chauffeur and a pantry, she eagerly helped others and was always ready to answer the call of Christian duty. With her infectious laughter and soprano voice, Mother J’s memory of selfless service and dedication to humanity will live on forever. Family Legacy Family togetherness and her roots in Alabama meant so much to her. Betty and Alphonso shared annual Christmas Eve gathering centered around the big family prayer circle. During this prayer, Betty and Alphonso would call everyone into the living room to join hands as they began to read scriptures, prophesy, and anoint heads with oil. The evening was filled with love, the best soul food, and most importantly. Betty was also an integral part of the annual 4th of July Moss family reunion in Apopka, which was started by her mother, Florence "Granny" Moss. Recently, Betty was able to share her birthplace with her daughters and granddaughters during a trip to Notasulga, Alabama, in July 2022 for her last visit home. This visit was special because Betty could recall the exact location of her birthplace without using GPS. Divinely driven by God from her birthplace on Lee Road 1 in Notasulga, Alabama, to her final resting place in Heaven. Betty forged impactful paths for all who knew her. She is remembered as a beloved wife, mother, grandmother, sister, aunt, and church mother. On August 16, 2024, the Heavenly Father said, “Well Done,” and called our earthly angel to her heavenly home. She was preceded in death by her father, Ed D. Moss, mother, Florence Moss, brother, John Moss, and daughter, Hellaka Fedrick. She leaves behind to cherish her memory: her devoted Husband, Alphonso Jacobs; Children: Deborah Hastings (Lenroy), Freda Kinsler (Kenneth, deceased), Marnita Smith (Keith), Alvin Garrett (Sherry), Tracy Garrett, and Jarvis Garrett; Special Daughter, Melinda Berrien (Andrew); Siblings: Dorothy Boykin, Jennifer Moss, and Janice Moss; 14 Grand-children; 12 Great-Grandchildren; Goddaughter, Aquasia Johnson; and a host of nieces and nephews; and Special Cousins: Ruby DeVance (Joe) and Maereen Moss-Grant (Ulysee).

Tributes

Deaconess Betty C. Garrett Jacobs

January 13, 1940 - August 16, 2024