Betty J. Dubose

Betty J. Dubose, age 82, of Buffalo, NY, entered eternal rest on September 26, 2025. She was born on November 18, 1942, the beloved daughter of Daisy Dubose Cowan and Hartley Hester, Sr. who preceded her in death.

Betty was educated in the Calhoun Falls & Abbeville, SC Public School system graduating from J.S Wright High School in Abbeville, SC.  She received her B.S Degree from Allen University in Columbia, SC and a M.S. Degree in Library Science from Syracuse University in Syracuse, NY.

Betty is survived by her Sisters & Brother:  Lucy Cowan Pitts, Linda Cowan, LaRusha Blakely, Samuel Hester (Dawn), Evelyn Hester, Christine Hester, Yvonne Hester.  Her nieces Alisha Cowan Gibson (Trae), Angela Hester, Quala Blakely, Maya Blakely and Victoria Lawrence.  Nephews Cedric Johnson, Anthony Mason Pitts (Mary), Guillaume Walker & Malcolm Walker, Leon Hester and Adrain Hester.   Great Nephews Julian Michael Mosgrove, Leo River Gibson, Phillip Blakely IV.  Great Niece Amia Abram.  Preceding her in death was her brother Hartley Hester Jr. (Emma).   She loved her family deeply and found joy in their accomplishments and presence.   Betty was a wonderful big sister, daughter, auntie and friend.  

Betty loved the Lord first.  She was baptized and became a member of Mt. Olive Church of God Holiness in Calhoun Falls, SC.   Betty was a proud and faithful member of Mt. Zion Church of God Holiness where her devotion to her faith and community was evident in all that she did. She sang Alto in the Senior Choir.  She loved music and singing.  She was in charge of assisting with homework assignments at the after-school program provided by the church.  She will be remembered for her kindness, steadfast faith, and her gentle spirit.  She loved her church family and attended church regularly until her health began to decline.

Betty had a long and satisfying work career that span over 40 years with the Buffalo Public School System.  A lifelong learner and teacher at heart, Betty dedicated her career to library science. As a librarian, she shared her passion for books, knowledge, and discovery, often speaking of the enduring importance of libraries in nurturing curiosity and education. Her commitment to the field left a lasting impression on those she served.  She was always encouraging students to get an education.  She often spoke passionately about the virtues of library science, inspiring others to value knowledge and learning.

A Homegoing Celebration of Life will be held on Saturday, October 4th, 2025 at Brian K. Lewis Funeral Home, 2528 Bailey Avenue, Suite 1, Buffalo, NY  14215 with visitation beginning at 10:00 AM.  She will be laid to rest at Buffalo Cemetery, 2398 Genesee Street, Cheektowaga, NY. 14225.

In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests donations be made in Betty’s memory to Mt. Zion Church of God Holiness, 32 Oakgrove Avenue, Buffalo, NY  14208.

Her life was a blessing, her memory a treasure, and her legacy of faith and learning will live on through those who loved her.

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