Bettie Feruzi

Bettie M Feruzi, of Mattapan, Massachusetts, departed this life February 1, 2022, at the Piedmont Henry Hospital in Stockbridge, Georgia. A retired teacher, consultant, storyteller, caterer, chair of Robert L Feruzi Foundation, and co-founder of the Young Achievers Math and Science Pilot School. Bettie was born on December 8, 1943, to the late William Mitchell, Sr., and Sarah Kelley Mitchell.

She was a graduate of Peabody High School and attended Virginia State University where she received her Bachelor of Arts (BA) degree in Political Science with a Minor in Mathematics. Bettie attended MIT’s Department of Urban Planning and became a Senior Planner at Boston Model Cities. She worked on historic preservation and urban renewal projects. Bettie also attended Boston College where she received her Master of Education in Educational Evaluation and Research. Bettie was a Boston Public School Teacher for 32 years.  As a math coach, math instructor, and computer teacher she taught mathematics to elementary, middle, and high school levels. She designed a program that helped parents to teach their children math with ordinary household items.  This program was adopted by many other teachers and parent councils throughout Boston. From 1985 to 1990 Bettie was the Assistant Director of the Citywide Parents Council in Boston Public Schools. 

Betty was a community activist and embraced all aspects of the African Diaspora.  In 1971, she participated in a Republic of New Africa trip to Guyana. South America where she helped build a road through the jungle to Brazil. She was a member of the African Liberation Committee, a precursor to Trans Africa, working to end apartheid and free Nelson Mandela. 

Bettie is proceeded in passing by her husband, Robert Feruzi and leaves to cherish her memory, sons Khalid W. (Ronda) Wise of Stockbridge, Georgia, Mugisha (Magali) Feruzi of Boston, Massachusetts, Five Granddaughters Khaija Wise, Maia Feruzi, Sunaii Preval, Sarah Feruzi, Lailah Feruzi Two grandsons Jeremiah Wise, Josiah Wise, niece Kimmy C. Coleman, Virginia, nephew Larry Mitchell, Virginia and a host of relatives and beloved friends and colleagues.

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