Dr. Betty P. McElmon

A recorded version of Dr. McElmon's service will be posted shortly.

Dr. Betty Pearl McElmon

Born 12/21/1929 Died 3/2/2021 in Toms River NJ Age 91

Known as Miss Betty, Dr McElmon, Betty, Aunt Betty, she was born to Byron and Laura McElmon in New Rochelle NY where she quickly began to show the passion and talent that enabled her to impact so many people throughout her life as teacher, principal, superintendent, church treasurer, sunday school teacher, puppet master, musician and most importantly to her, servant of God. As she never liked to talk about herself, we will use this moment to do so on her behalf.

Betty earned her Bachelor of Science degree from SUNY New Paltz and continued her education with additional degrees from Oneonta and Trenton State College becoming a certified teacher of the deaf. She began an amazing career in education as a classroom teacher in Andes NY and Middletown Township before coming to West Long Branch in 1954. It was there that her career flourished as a remedial teacher, speech correctionist, learning disability consultant, curriculum coordinator, principal and superintendent, while earning additional degrees along the way. She continued her education until she received her Doctorate, earning the title Dr. McElmon. Her relentless desire to influence thousands of children and teachers throughout her 46 year career in West Long Branch by always giving her ultimate effort for the students, culminated with the school district naming the elementary school in her honor, the Betty McElmon Elementary. Although she rarely spoke about her many accomplishments, this singular eponymous event filled her with joy. Only a few heard her mention the new school name and the smile on her face gave her away, we knew she was proud.

Betty also displayed a love and devotion unmatched for her local church, Shrewsbury Assembly of God, serving on the deacon board as treasurer for over 50 years as a founding member. This passion led her to move beyond simply the local landscape and once again strive to help a greater audience with her unwavering support of missionaries globally.

She also made a decision to spend her only spare time during the week to travel to Brooklyn to host a children’s ministry every Sunday afternoon. This continued for over 40 years and helped her reach yet another group of children, who couldn’t wait to see Miss Betty. She went on to form the Royal Line Puppeteers which provided her once again another opportunity to make a difference in our world and eternity. It was always so rewarding to see the response her students had when they saw Miss Betty!

Betty surprisingly found time for several hobbies including a coin and stamp collection in collaboration with her Postmaster brother Albert, an avid award winning photographer, a musician who enjoyed playing both the piano and accordion, an accomplished ventriloquist with her partner “Charlie” and even developed a unique broach collection from Christmas gifts over the years.

Betty was also a wonderful sister especially to her youngest Florence, who she helped raise as if she were her daughter. In addition she was also a wonderful Aunt and great Aunt to her extended family as her many nieces and nephews can attest. As Betty was fond of saying and living out: “to whom much is given, much is required” and her life motto lived on for years in the Betty McElmon school: To know good and to do good.

Betty lived her life serving God as her primary mission, whether her efforts occurred in the classroom, church, or beyond. This world will always be a better place for having Betty McElmon in it and the many lives she touched will enable her legacy to live on long after she is gone.

A funeral service is scheduled for Saturday March 6th at 11 AM. This will be a closed ceremony due to Covid restrictions and will be live-streamed.

In lieu of flowers please feel free to donate through the link below to the Betty McElmon Scholarship, http://fundly.com/betty-mcelmon-scholarship, or checks may be made payable to the Betty McElmon Scholarship, C/O Jonathan Noschese, 92 Balsam Road, Wayne, New Jersey 07470. Her family, as a way to keep her legacy alive and to continue her desire to serve the children of West Long Branch would like to provide this scholarship to the students of the community she loved so much. The family invites you to leave a letter of condolence by selecting the Tribute/Guestbook link above.

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Dr. Betty P. McElmon, please visit our floral store.