Betty Jean Richard was born to parents, Givvie and Elizabeth Richard on January 30, 1945, in Savannah, Georgia. In 1963, she moved to New York City immediately after graduating from Beach High School, where she was crowned Miss Beach.

In New York City, she married Andrew Jenkins. This union was blessed with three children: Regina (Steve) Brown, Andrea (Esrom) Johnson, and Vance (Kim) Jenkins. In 1975, the family moved on up to the east side of Manhattan, better known as 1199 Plaza. She earned an abundance of family there and was lovingly known as Momma Jenkins and Ms. Jenkins.

Betty had many talents. She was a skillful seamstress, a natural vocalist, and an expert at appreciating high fashion. But what was truly special about Momma Jenkins was she was proficient enough in each of these passions that she could have easily pursued (and thrived) if she wanted to make any of them a career. But Betty chose her family and God and placed them first in her life.

Betty spent her early working years in finance at E.F. Hutton and Shearson Lehman. She later went on to work in public relations at Curtis H. Hoxter until she retired in 2008.

Betty is survived by her three children; her eight grandchildren: Philip Brown, Courtney (Daniel) Jamokha, Esrom "Erick" Johnson, Ryanne Johnson, Chris (Emely) Aiken, Vance "V.J." Jenkins, Kimani Jenkins and Javari Jenkins; five great grandchildren: Jordan, Donovan, Savannah, Kyrie and Caleb; stepdaughter, Michelle Jenkins; four siblings: Jerry Hudson, Henry Richard, Iris Bryant and Alonzo Richard; and devoted life partner, Ernest Wilborn.

Now we would like to leave you with some words from our dearly departed:

Hope has come – its essence fills the air.

Can you now breathe it? I hope you still care.

I hope you still feel it, and believe that it's true,

And above all, that it has meaning for you.

Each has our own answer way deep down inside,

Mixed with uncertainty and much guarded pride.

Come, let's examine this together,

Come find a reason why...

No one listened,

No one heard us,

No one answered and no one asked why….

Now how about that, Betty was a poet and we ain't even know it!