OBITUARIES

Elizabeth A. Walker, 86, a lifelong resident of Poughkeepsie, NY, entered into eternal rest on Tuesday, November 25, 2025, at Vassar Brothers Hospital after a brief illness.

Betty, as she was affectionately known, was born on June 26, 1939, in Poughkeepsie, NY, to the late Frank and Dorthy Wells. Betty graduated from Poughkeepsie High School in June 1958.

On July 16, 1966, she married Charles T. Walker, who predeceased her on March 22, 2020. Betty was also predeceased by a son, Jeffrey B. Clarke, on August 28, 1999, and her sister Constance “Connie” Johnson on January 22, 2017. Best friend, Yvonne Johnson, also predeceased her.

Betty is survived by her daughter, Maria M. Jones and son-in-law, Namon E. Jones, Sr.; her brother Frank Wells, Sr.; special sister, Barbara “Annie” Greene, and stepson, Travis Bland (Ursula). Also surviving are her beloved grandchildren, Namon E. Jones, Jr. (Kiara), Joshua C. Jones (Aaliyah), Christan Jones, Shamara Green, Ariel Hunter (Derrick), Autumn Bland, Kaira Hassell and Raylon Hassell; her great-grandchildren, Carsyn, Cephas, Navi, Skylar, Noah and baby girl Jones arriving, March, 2026; nieces and nephews, Frank Wells, Jr. (Kimberly), God daughter, Jacqueline McMillan (Jeffrey), Kathy Carreathers (Glen), Nicole Greene, Michelle Lawrence, Kevin Lawrence (Rochelle), “second daughter”, Denise Hector and special daughter, Carrie Muse. As well as a host of “nieces and nephews” and friends who loved and called her “Aunt Betty,” and she loved each one as well.

Betty was a longtime employee of IBM in Poughkeepsie and retired in 1997 after 30-plus years. After enjoying retirement for a short while, Betty went to work for Stop N Shop and later, the Poughkeepsie City School District for many years, and retired from both in June 2019.

Betty was very active and well known, and very loved by many in the community. Betty was a member of Beulah Baptist Church and served as an usher, a member of the mass choir, and, when asked, never refused any assignment or task to support the ministry.

Betty’s greatest joy in life was her grandchildren and great-grandchildren. Before her illness, Betty could be found attending local basketball and football games from Pop Warner to high school. Betty was inducted into the Poughkeepsie Hall of Fame in 2016 based on her “super fan” involvement and attendance of all of the City of Poughkeepsie School District sporting events.

For over 40 years, in honor of her late father, Betty organized the annual Frank Wells Softball Tournament over an entire weekend at Spratt Park and College Hill in Poughkeepsie. With the proceeds of the tournament, she created the Frank Wells Scholarship that provided numerous scholarships to Poughkeepsie High School graduates.

For the past few years, Betty looked forward to her Thursday and Friday evening card and dinner crew, William, Michelle, Lorraine, Rena, Bell, and Hubert Lee, whom she affectionately called her nephew.

Betty’s love of God, family, and her friends, and her infectious smile and laugh, are her legacy and will never be forgotten.