Mother Bettie M. McIntosh, 83, of Bronx, New York, transitioned peacefully from this life into the presence of her Lord and Savior on Saturday, January 24, 2026, one week away from her 84th birthday. She will be remembered for her unwavering faith, her generous spirit, and the way she made everyone she met feel seen, loved, and encouraged.

Born on February 2, 1942, in Newport News, Virginia, Mother McIntosh grew up with a deep love for God, family, and community, which shaped her life from a young age. In her early adulthood, she met a young man named Herman S. McIntosh; the two fell in love and married. Out of that loving union came a daughter, Paula Lee McIntosh, and a son, Jamel Duane McIntosh. Mother Bettie also lovingly embraced her eldest child, Anthony Holder, completing a family rooted in faith, resilience, and love.

After completing high school and attending college, Mother Bettie devoted her professional life to caring for others. She worked as a Mental Health Aide at the Manhattan Psychiatric Center on Wards Island, New York, for over 35 years, faithfully serving patients and colleagues until her retirement. Her work was marked by compassion, patience, and a genuine desire to see others restored, encouraged, and treated with dignity.

Mother McIntosh faithfully served on the Pastoral Aide Board and the Mother Board at Salvation and Deliverance Church, offering her time, prayers, and support wherever needed for nearly 50 years. Whether she was uplifting her pastor, mentoring younger believers, or quietly interceding for others, she lived as a devoted servant of the Lord. Her life was a testimony of steadfast faith and humble service.

Mother McIntosh was a loving mother, grandmother, great‑grandmother, and mother-in-law. She found joy in simple but meaningful moments—family gatherings, heartfelt conversations, and sharing words of wisdom rooted in scripture and experience. Her legacy is one of faith, perseverance, and love, and her influence will continue through the lives of those she nurtured, encouraged, and prayed for.

Mother McIntosh is survived by her children and their families, including her son, Jamel D. McIntosh Sr., and his wife, Marva McIntosh; her grandson, Jamel D. McIntosh Jr.; her granddaughter, Lydia Cowley; her great‑grandson, Prince Cowley; and her great‑granddaughter, also named Lydia Cowley. She is also survived by her cousins, Lekecia Marie Vaughn Smith and Shanica Lynn Vaughn, along with a host of other cousins from the Vaughn and Miller lineage, as well as many spiritual children, church family, and friends who will miss her dearly, yet rejoice in the blessed hope of seeing her again.

A Homegoing Celebration for Mother Bettie M. McIntosh will be held at Bethel Gospel Assembly, New York, on Saturday, February 21, 2026. The viewing will be held from 9:30 a.m. to 10:30 a.m., and the service will continue from 10:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. The burial ceremony will follow on Monday, February 23, 2026, at Rosemount Cemetery in Elizabeth, New Jersey.

In lieu of flowers and other gifts, the family kindly requests that memorial contributions be made to George H Weldon Funeral Home or to the McIntosh Family, both of which reflect Mother Bettie's heart for helping others. The family extends heartfelt thanks to all who have offered prayers, visits, calls, and expressions of sympathy during this time of bereavement.

"We rejoice in the promise of eternal life and take comfort in knowing that Mother McIntosh is safely in the arms of Jesus."