Our beloved, Betty M. Emory, was born in Easton, Maryland, the daughter of the late Sabinia Banks Johnson and William Johnson.

Betty accepted Christ at an early age at Asbury United Methodist Church (UMC) in Easton, Maryland. Betty attended Robert Russa Moton High School, graduating in the class of 1947. While in high school she was an outstanding basketball player and on her last report card, she was listed as having received an Athletics Medal. She participated in Moton alumni events and shared fond memories of her time at the school with community members. Betty graduated in a class of thirty and she and her classmates stayed connected through the years.

After graduating high school, Betty attended Timshell School of Cosmetology in Easton, Maryland. She completed an apprenticeship under Mrs. Geneva Thomas and Mrs. Florence Brooks. An entrepreneur, she owned and operated Betty's Beauty Shop, in Easton before leaving the shore to live in New York city.

Betty and the love of her life, John Wesley Emory, were married on April 4, 1970, in Queens, New York. When John passed in 2002, they had been married for 32 years. While in New York she was employed by the Zales Jewelry Corporation. She began as an order filler and advanced through positions of increasing responsibility to the role of Manager of the Merchandise Vault, where inventory totaled over five million dollars. Betty retired from Zales with 22 years of service. She and John returned to Easton after retirement.

At the time of her passing, Betty was a member of St. Matthews UMC in Longwoods, Maryland. She faithfully attended church services, including 'dialing in' on Sundays during the pandemic. She served on the Finance, Nominating, and Visitation Committees. Additionally, she was a member of the Trustee and Usher Boards. Betty received an award for dedicated service from St. Matthews in March 2011 and was designated Honorary Mother of the church. While attending St. Matthews, Betty spearheaded an annual shopping trip fundraiser which raised thousands of dollars for the church. She was a member of the Young at Hearts at Scott UMC in Trappe, Maryland and the United Methodist Women at Asbury UMC in Easton, Maryland.

Betty also held membership in several community organizations. She was a life member of the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP) and was one of two people to receive the Talbot County Chapter's first Unsung Hero Award in 2010. Additionally, she was a member of the Serenity Hearts Chapter of the Red Hat Society, Talbot County Service Association, Women of Dorcus, the Wellness Community of Delmarva and the Cares Patient Support Group. Betty was honored to be appointed Queen Mother of the Serenity Hearts.

Betty enjoyed helping others whenever she was able. She was often called upon to speak at cultural events and homegoing services. In 2018 at a Moton alumni event, she shared humorous stories about memories of being a student at the Moton Port Street location. Additionally, Betty loved traveling, word searches and spending time with family and friends.

Betty wanted everyone to know that she was thankful for her family, many friends, and her church family at St. Matthews. She was an extraordinary woman. Betty leaves to cherish and honor her memory sister-in-law Sylvia Tilghman; nephews Dujuan (Denise) Tilghman and James Tilghman, Jr.; devoted niece, Lavertta (Marrell) Harden; great nephew, Lamar; great nieces, Tykeia, Taylor, and Niya, and a host of other relatives and friends. She also leaves to cherish her memory godson Carlton Greene; special friends Jaqueline Wheatley, Robert Bailey, Doris Borden, and Gloria Wimberly, and a host of other close relatives and friends. Many will treasure a plethora of loving memories of Mrs. Betty Emory. She was preceded in death by her husband, parents, special aunt – Alverta Tilghman, cousin/brothers – James Tilghman, Sr., and Alvin Tilghman.