Betty Frances Brooks Holley

It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of Betty Brooks Holley who departed this life on Monday, March 24, 2025, after a remarkable 80 years filled with love, adventure, and service to others. Betty is survived by her loving and devoted husband, William Holley, Jr. Together they shared 57 wonderful years of marriage as they explored the world and created a life full of shared dreams and cherished memories.

Born October 29, 1944, in Martin, Tennessee, she was preceded in death by her parents, Frank and Wilma Brooks; her sister, Martha Butler; her sister, Marie Spelling; and her brother, Gerald Brooks. Betty also leaves behind countless friends and relatives who will remember her generosity, kindness, and sense of humor. She will be deeply missed by all those whose lives she touched throughout her extraordinary journey.

Funeral services will be held at Jeffcoat-Trant Funeral Home in Opelika, Alabama, on Sunday, March 30, at 2:00 p.m. with visitation beginning at 1:00 p.m. Graveside services will be held at 11:00am on April 1, 2025, at Cate Cemetery in Martin, TN 38237

She received her undergraduate degree in Home Economics at the University of Tennessee-Martin; her Masters' degree from the University of Alabama in Rehab Counseling; and her doctorate degree from Auburn University in Adult Education. Education was very important to Betty throughout her lifetime and as early as elementary school she recognized another wonderful source of education. At 9 years of age, she joined her local 4-H Club and was an active member until she left for college. She was recognized for being a 4-H All-Star, the highest honor achievable for a Tennessee club member. Nothing made her happier than passing on that knowledge to the thousands of youth she worked with in various projects during her career. She began her career with the Alabama Cooperative Extension Service (ACES at Auburn University) as a 4-H agent in Bibb County, Centreville, Alabama. Later she worked with the national USDA Expanded Food and Nutrition Education Program (EFNEP) as a Program Specialist to improve the nutrition and overall health of Alabama's limited resource families. In 1986 she joined the 4-H state staff as a specialist in youth development/leadership where she exceled until her retirement. Throughout her long and successful career, Betty showcased an unwavering dedication and earned the deep respect of all who worked alongside her. Her accomplishments were too many to list but one of her proudest achievements as a state 4-H specialist was the development of the Alabama 4-H State Council. As true ambassadors, hundreds of youth leaders from across the state developed presentation to use when invited to speak and promote 4-H educational opportunities to numerous, diversified audiences around the state. She was also involved in an Interstate Teen Retreat which gave older 4-Hers an opportunity to meet and work with other teens from all counties in our state as well as with teens from adjoining states. Even after her retirement from ACES, she continued to work with youth through the Alabama Envirothon—an educational, competitive, environmental program for grades 9 - 12. Due to her dedication and hard work (constantly writing grants), she was asked to serve as the national chairman of Envirothon. She willingly took on that responsibility for many years before health issues became a problem. Betty was an enthusiastic and exceptional role model and mentor to thousands of youngsters throughout her entire life. Needless to say, she received many state and national honors/awards as she received the recognition she deserved. Betty was also known as a dog lover and her many friends often teased her that if there was a "second life", they wanted to come back as one of her dogs! Her four-legged children were truly family members and were treated like "royalty".

Betty and Bill were world travelers, having journeyed to over 25 countries during her lifetime. Their adventures and experiences were a reflection of her curiosity and appreciation for the richness of life and culture around the globe. She loved to talk to native people when visiting their country and both she and Bill were certainly Goodwill Ambassadors wherever they visited.

Betty was also known for being a gourmet cook. She loved to find new recipes and test them out first and Bill was more than happy to judge the outcome! If he gave a "thumbs up", she would add that recipe to her collection. Many of her friends were amazed that she often invited area restaurant chefs to her home so she could cook for them! Often, they asked for her recipes. Many neighbors and friends were blessed to be able to enjoy her cooking skills.

Friends envied her never-ending supply of energy which she usually used to help enrich the lives of everyone around her. Her outstanding ability to organize and oversee statewide and nationwide activities was admired by many. Her guidance and love for helping to shape young lives for the future will be cherished by many. In summary she will be GREATLY missed.

Murphy Funeral Home in Martin, TN is in charge of graveside services.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to the;

Alabama 4-H Foundation
244 Duncan Hall
Auburn University, Alabama, 36849-9991.