Betty Gene Ali

Betty Gene Ali, affectionately known to family as "Jeannie", was born and raised in Washington D.C. to J.T. Faggart and Bertha Faggart of Concord, North Carolina.

Betty, an only child was extremely social and enjoyed engaging with her neighbors, many who became life long friends.

After graduating from Eastern Senior High School, Betty attended the University of the District of Colombia (UDC) where she studied Psychology. Betty always had an interest in the community. She served many years with (UPO), United Planning Organization and later turned her focus to the DC public school system.

Betty became a part time substitute teacher focusing on children that were at the beginning of their educational journey in the pre-school years.

During this time Betty met the love of her life, Abdul Ali, who was visiting DC on business from Cairo, Egypt. The unlikely pair fell in love and married 2 years after meeting.

Betty and Abdul welcomed their only child, a daughter Shasta Ali a year later after their marriage. Betty enjoyed travel, often vacationing in Canada during the summer. She enjoyed fine dining, and Betty is notoriously known for her sweet tooth. She would often frequently make brownies and her famous chocolate cream pie for her daughters, friends, students, and neighbors.

Betty had a sense of humor that could withstand the toughest of situations. She always found a reason to laugh, never staying worried about anything for to long.

Betty enjoyed music, often listening to oldies from the 1960s and even rap music with Bone Thugs and Harmony being one of her favorite groups along with Harold Melvin and the Bluenotes. Betty also enjoyed sewing and embroidery in her spare time.

One of the highlights of Betty's life was attending her daughter's wedding. Although her health was not at its strongest point. Betty was determined to be front and center to represent as the mother of the bride.

In her last months of life Betty decided to join her daughter and grand-daughters in moving to Florida. Betty was a devoted  grandmother and she enjoyed having the quality time that being together allowed.

Betty who became a widow after the death of her beloved husband leaves to mourn her memory, her only child Shasta Ali, her two granddaughters, Chrystine Ali, Gabrielle Ali, and a host of cousins in Washington D.C. and Concord, North Carolina along with many friends and former students.

Each day that Betty was alive she always found a reason to smile. After having her in our lives everyday we now have reason to smile.

The song has ended, but the melody lingers on.

Richard Funeral Services