Bettye Louise Edwards Craft Snipe

Bettye was born on May 6, 1939 to Emma and Decar Edwards in Tallahassee, Florida. She was one of six children. Her siblings were Barbra (deceased), Decar Jr.(deceased), Keturah, Sharon, and Cheryl.

Bettye attended FAMU High School and Florida A&M University.

She married 2nd Lt. Jimmie Craft on May 16, 1959. From this union, there were 4 children: Charmynn Kassandra (deceased June 4, 1960), Michael Dana, Mark Winston and Jimmie Louis II.

As a military spouse, Bettye and her family lived on many military bases throughout the United States, Europe and the Far East. Bettye's favorite military assignment was the Far

East, where she had the opportunity to travel to Hong Kong, Taiwan, South Korea and the Philippines.

Bettye and Jimmie divorced in 1986 after 27 years of marriage. She later married James Snipe in April of 1992. James passed away on May 16, 2000.

EDUCATION AND PROFESSIONAL LIFE

Bettye received a BS degree in Library Science from Florida A&M University in 1970 and a MLS in Librarianship from the University of Denver in 1979.

She began work as a Library Assistant in 1960 at Post Library, Ft. Lewis, WA, in 1965 Dayton & Montgomery County Public Library, Dayton, OH, and in 1972 at Zukeran Army Library, Okinawa, Japan.

After receiving her Masters Degree, she began working as a Librarian for The Department of Defense's TRICARE Library at Fitzsimons Army Medical Center in Denver, where she received numerous certificates and awards for her excellence and dedication to service. She worked at TRICARE for 29 years and retired in 2008. during her tenure at TRICARE, Bettye also served as Federal Women's Program Manager and the Blacks in Government Program Manager. She was a member of the Colorado Council of Medical Librarians.

INTERESTS AND HOBBIES

Bettye was Petite Model in the Denver area for many years doing fashion shows, print ads and a few television commercials.

Bettye's hobbies included reading, traveling, sewing, and dancing. She was creative and talented when delving into various arts and crafts, including oil paintings, making jewelry, Christmas ornaments and wreaths. At age 82, Bettye decided to learn how to paint with water colors and discovered another way to channel her creative spirit.

ORGANIZATIONS

Blacks in Government (Lifetime Member)

Colorado Cyber Lions Club (Chapter of the international Lions Club)

CHARITIES

Denver Rescue Mission Salvation Army

FINAL THOUGHTS

Bettye leaves behind her sons, Michael, Mark and Jimmie Louis, 7 grandchildren and 4 great-grandchildren. She also leaves her siblings Keturah Robinson, Sharon Richardson and Cheryl Robinson along with many beloved friends.

Bettye loved life and lived it “her way”. She was a very kind, caring and generous lady who always cared about the well being of family and friends. She was an optimist who saw life as it could be, not as it sometimes is.

Bettye's final words to family and friends:

“I have enjoyed a long and wonderful life. I was so blessed to have had the love and support of all my family, especially my children and grandchildren, all of my family and special friends. Live the best lives you can live and that will be your tribute to me. I leave you my love and gratitude for the joy you brought into my life.”