Betty Jean Hope-Jarrett

Betty Jean Hope-Jarrett, beloved mother, grandmother, sister, aunt, and friend, passed away unexpectedly in her home in Gastonia, North Carolina, on June 4, 2025, at the age of 75. She was born on April 20, 1950, in Rock Hill, South Carolina, to the late Louise Bolder and James Richard Hope Sr.

Betty graduated from Emmet Scott High School in 1969—a year later than planned due to becoming a mother, a role she stepped into with love and strength. Determined to pursue her education, she went on to earn her associate's degree in arts from New York City Community College and a bachelor's degree in social work from York College in Queens, New York.

A proud public servant, Betty worked for the City of New York's Administration for Children's Services as a social worker, dedicating her career to helping families and children until her retirement in 2018.

A woman deeply rooted in her faith, Betty was a devoted member of both Love Fellowship Tabernacle in Brooklyn, New York, and her home church, Cross Road Baptist Church in Rock Hill, South Carolina. She found joy in worship, community service, and especially in the practice of tithing, which she viewed as a sacred honor.

Betty lived a life full of love, style, and substance. She was a true diva and fashionista who loved traveling, celebrating with family, and supporting her grandchildren in all their milestones

-from birthdays and holidays to sports games and school events. She took immense pride in her appearance, always keeping her nails, lashes, and hair done. Betty was known for her strong presence, her generous spirit, and her ability to show up sometimes fashionably late— but always with love, elegance, and impact. Though private by nature, she extended her home and heart to those around her, becoming a constant source of comfort and support.

She was preceded in death by her loving husband, Curtis Constantine Jarrett; her son, Derick Kenard Hope; her parents, Louise Bolder and James Richard Hope Sr.; her siblings Jo Ann Hope-Jackson and James Richard Hope Jr.; and her dearly loved aunt, Shirley Bolder-Dixon, who was like a best friend to her.

Betty leaves behind a legacy of love through her children: Teddy Kwamin Jarrett, Danica Altwanda Jarrett, Ivy Tashema Jarrett, and Zatacia Louise Jarrett; her grandchildren: Ivan Derick Jarrett, Cassidy Chase Jarrett, and Ivanna Constantine Jarrett; her stepchild: Don Curtis Jarrett; her step-grandchildren: Don Curtis Jarrett Jr., Donazia Jo Jarrett, and Damia Sky Jarrett; her siblings: Brenda Hope, Stephen Hope, Randy Hope, and Terry Hope-Bailey (Charles); her goddaughter, Deidre "Ducky" Phillips-Johnson (Torrance); her cherished aunts: Ella Lee Brice (Benny), Ruth L. Long, and Carrie R. Isom; and a host of loving nieces, nephews, and cousins.

She will be deeply missed, and her memory will live on in the hearts of her family, church community, and friends whose lives she touched with compassion, strength, and unwavering devotion.

"The Lord is my light and my salvation-whom shall I fear?" —

Psalms 27:1