Betty Rebecca Rhabb

Betty Rebecca Rhabb was born on December 23, 1949, in Charleston, South Carolina, to Herbert and Albertha Jones. At a young age, her family relocated to the Bronx, New York, where she was raised alongside her siblings. Even as a child, Betty displayed a natural gift for teaching and helping others. She loved learning and eagerly assisted her brothers and sisters with their homework, encouraging them to succeed. Long before she entered a classroom as a professional educator, she had already discovered her life's calling.

As a young woman early on in life, Betty welcomed her two beloved children, Ronnette and Jemal, who became the center of her world and the source of her greatest pride and joy. In 1982, she married Steven Rhabb. Though she was widowed in 1991, Betty faced the challenges that followed with incredible courage, determination, and grace.

Determined to fulfill her dream of becoming a teacher, Betty pursued higher education while raising her family. She earned her Bachelor's Degree in Education from the College of New Rochelle and later obtained her Master's Degree in Education from Fordham University, where she graduated Cum Laude with honors, a testament to her dedication, perseverance, and commitment to academic excellence. Her hard work and determination paved the way for a remarkable career devoted to uplifting and empowering young people.

For almost 30 years, Betty served as a special education teacher in the Bronx, New York. At IS 131, she built lifelong friendships with colleagues and touched the lives of countless students through her patience, compassion, and unwavering belief in their potential. Her classroom was a place where every child felt seen, valued, and capable of success.

Betty's students adored her. One young girl thought so highly of her that she waited outside every morning, rain or shine, to greet her with a cup of coffee before school. It was a small gesture that spoke volumes about the love and respect her students had for her. The relationships Betty built did not end when students left her classroom. Many remained in contact with her long after graduation, sharing stories of their accomplishments, college experiences, careers, marriages, and growing families. Her influence extended far beyond academics; she helped shape lives, instill confidence, and inspire dreams.

To her family, Betty was a pillar of strength, wisdom, and unconditional love. She was fiercely loyal to her children, grandchildren, siblings, nieces, nephews, and extended family. Whenever someone needed guidance, encouragement, or simply a listening ear, Betty was there. No matter the challenge brought before her, she met it head-on and rose above every obstacle like a phoenix rising from the ashes.

Betty never allowed illness to define her. She faced every difficulty with remarkable dignity and resilience and never wanted anyone to feel sorry for her. Instead, she demonstrated what true strength looks like. Her determination was insurmountable, her spirit unbreakable, and her capacity to love immeasurable.

Betty leaves behind a legacy of compassion, perseverance, faith, and service. Her influence lives on through her family, friends, colleagues, and the many students who were fortunate enough to learn from her. Though her absence leaves an immeasurable void, her light can never be extinguished.

Her love was unconditional, her heart was generous, and her impact was everlasting. Betty’s spirit lives on in every lesson she taught, every life she changed, and every person she loved.

She is lovingly survived by her children, Ronnette and Jemal; her brother, Herbert Jones; and her sisters, Debra Joseph, Hermeanor Alan, Sharline Rivers, and Dorothy Jones. She also leaves behind her five cherished grandchildren, Kyle Taylor Palanque, Bryan Tyree Henry, Bryce Mason Jones, Dru Carter Jones, and Tylor Collin Jennings, each of whom brought immeasurable joy to her life. Betty's memory will also be treasured by a host of adoring nieces and nephews, extended family members, dear friends, devoted colleagues, and the countless students whose lives she touched throughout her extraordinary career.

May her strength continue to inspire us, may her love continue to guide us, and may her beautiful light shine on forever.

Lovingly remembered and forever cherished.

"Well done, good and faithful servant." – Matthew 25:23 ❤️

Funeral services will be held at 3 PM on Saturday, November 14, 2026, at Crabiel Parkwest Funeral Chapel, 239 Livingston Avenue, New Brunswick, NJ, with a visitation from 2PM to 3PM. Interment is private.

Professional services entrusted to Crabiel Parkwest Funeral Chapel of New Brunswick, NJ. Please visit www.crabielparkwest.com to sign the online guestbook.