Heritage Academy honors the
life of "Aunt" Betty Douglas

MARY ELIZABETH SHIELDS DOUGLAS ("Aunt Betty")
was born August 18, 1923 in Germantown, Pennsylvania,
the daughter of Cecil & Florence Shields.

Her mother died when she was very young, and she went to live in Nicholson, Pennsylvania with Levi & Belle Pedrick, who lovingly raised her as their own. She graduated from the Pennsylvania State Teachers College at Mansfield in 1945. She returned to Nicholson to teach her love of music to her students at Nicholson High School.

Betty was married to the late Dr. George Capers Douglas, Sr. on June 11, 1949. They started a family in Homewood, Alabama and God blessed her with 6 children: George C. Douglas, Jr. (Gypsy), Mary Belle Sabogal, Robert M. Douglas (Sylvia), Martha D. Godwin, Miriam D. Armbrester (Rand) and Samuel G. Douglas (Donna).

Betty's children’s children are the crown of her old age. The Lord blessed "Mama" with 25 grandchildren: Rebecca G. Krueger (Randy), Christina S. Tesmer, Jennifer D. Bush, Catherine Sabogal, Mary Margaret Godwin, Carolyn Sabogal, Jacob Sabogal, Michael Douglas (Jen), Elizabeth Douglas, James Sabogal, Joshua Sabogal, Robert Godwin, Emily Douglas, Amelia Douglas, Miriam Godwin, Rachael Douglas, Sarah Douglas, Anna Godwin, Ian Douglas, Mary Katharine Armbrester, Joshua Godwin, Lydia Godwin, Rachel Armbrester, Tracey Abbott and Michael Abbott.

Mama treasured her great granddaughters: Megan Krueger, Emma Krueger and Savannah Tesmer. Aunt Betty was dearly loved by her sisters Ellen Weller (Warren), Janet Gardner (Bill) and many nieces, nephews, brothers- and sisters-in-law.
Betty loved the Lord her God with all her heart, soul and mind. Every day of her life was spent worshiping and serving her Savior. Betty was a godly example to all whom God brought into her life. She lived the Gospel, "By this all men will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another."

Betty was a member of Trinity Presbyterian Church in Vestavia, Alabama. She was instrumental in encouraging parents in Birmingham to train up their children in the love and admonition of the Lord for almost 40 years, first at Christian Heritage School and then at Heritage Academy. Her heart was full of love for those dear families.

Betty departed this life for her Father's house at the age of 82 on February 24, 2006. "I am the resurrection and the life. He who believes in me will live, even though he dies; and whoever lives and believes in me will never die."

Blessed are the pure in heart, for they will see God.