Betty Leath Obituary

The passing of Betty Jo Leath on April 13, 2023, at the age of 89, has left a void in the hearts of her family and friends. Betty was a loving wife, devoted mother, doting grandmother, and adoring great-grandmother and an individual who lived a life full of purpose and grace. Born on July 16, 1933, in Camden, TX, to the late William McQueen and Lutishia Freeman McQueen, Betty was a graduate of Dunbar High School in Lufkin, Texas. She was a majorette in high school, and her senior class motto was "Onward we shall voyage to the highest of success. " Betty continued her education at Cal State Hayward, earning a Bachelor of Science in Sociology in the late 1970s and a Master's Degree in Public Administration from Cal State Hayward in the early 1980s. Betty met her first husband, Charles Price, in high school, and they were married in 1950. Betty and Charles moved to Oakland, CA in the early 1950s for better opportunities. This union produced six children: Joe, Karen, Cynthia, Demetra, Corliss, and Alan. Betty served the State of California for 37 years, starting as an Intermediate File Clerk with the Employment Development Department (EDD) and later becoming an investigator for the San Francisco Department of Fair Employment & Housing. She most recently served as an Associate Caltrans Administrator (Business Enterprise Liaison) with the Department of Transportation. Betty was known for her tireless dedication to public service, her commitment to her community, and her unwavering integrity. She earned the trust, respect, and friendship of all who worked with her, leaving a lasting impact on the many lives she touched throughout her career. Betty's life was marked by her passion for travel and her devotion to her second husband Leonard Leath. She first met Leonard in the late 1960s while working together, and the two were married in September of 1971. Betty and Leonard shared a love for investing in real estate and travel, visiting every continent except Antarctica. They explored new cultures, discovering the world's wonders through cruises and journeys. Their adventures took them to places such as Panama, Mexico, Greece, Italy, Bermuda, Russia, New Zealand, Australia, Switzerland, Hong Kong, China, England, Brazil, Morocco, other African countries and various regions of the United States. After retiring in late 1996, Betty found great joy in spending time with her family and close friends. She cherished holidays, especially Thanksgiving, which was her favorite. Betty was raised in a Christian home, served in various capacities in churches throughout her life and was an active member of First Presbyterian Church, Richmond. She was always ready to lend a helping hand and offer her best advice. Betty was known for her generosity and donated to numerous causes, missions and ministries, including canned food drives, food banks, and kitchens. She had a strong interest in entrepreneurship, sold Primerica Insurance and participated in fundraisers and charitable events such as walkathons (she enjoyed walking in the Bay to Breakers and the AIDS Walk). She was also a member of the Alpha Nu Omega Chapter of the Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority and was committed to serving her community. Betty had a wide range of interests and hobbies, including walking, sports, and competitive games. She was a dedicated sports fan who enjoyed cheering on teams like the Raiders, 49ers, Giants, A's, and Golden State Warriors. Betty also loved doing the daily crossword and playing solitaire and scrabble in her free time. Her favorite color was yellow and most people didn't know this, but she kept special keepsakes from loved ones close by. In addition to game shows like Wheel of Fortune and Jeopardy, Betty also enjoyed watching court TV programs such as Judge Mathis. Betty was preceded in death by her parents; her husband of more than 46 years, Leonard, who died in 2018; and her brothers, Robert McQueen Sr. , John Kirby McCoy, Eura McQueen, and Clyde McQueen. She is survived by her sisters, Bertha Anthony and Billie Jean Caviel; her children, Joe (Margot), Karen, Cynthia, Demetra (Richard), Corliss, Alan (Monica); her 11 grandchildren, Antoinette, Dameon, John, Roger, KJ, Chris, Nicole, Leone, Darin, Charles Bradley, Rachel; and her 15 great-grandchildren. Betty also leaves behind numerous nieces, nephews, cousins, and extended family members and special friends whom she loved and cherished. Betty will be deeply missed by all who knew her. She was a remarkable woman of great character and ability, known for her kindness, generosity, and love. She touched the lives of everyone she met.