Bette C. Atwater

Bette C. Atwater (Carr) transitioned peacefully on January 11, 2026, at the age of 85. She was born on March 1, 1940, in Durham, North Carolina, to William (Sr.) and Alma (Masterson) Carr. Not long after, the family returned to Wilberforce, Ohio. She graduated from Xenia High School at just 15 and went on to enroll at Central State University, where she earned a Bachelor of Science in Education (BSEd). While in college, Bette married Frederick L. King, Sr.; the couple divorced shortly thereafter. Years later Bette married Charles Atwater and the couple raised a family of 3 children.

Before marrying Charles, Bette lived in Dayton, Ohio, where she worked as an electronic circuitry assembler for National Cash Register while raising her two eldest children as a single parent. After their marriage, she and Charles moved to Saginaw, Michigan, where she worked as a chemical technician for Dow Corning. The family later settled in Flint, Michigan, where Bette, now raising three children, Rick, Trish and Brian, began her career in education as an elementary math and science teacher with the Flint City School District. She went on to teach middle school math and science in Mt. Morris City Schools, Mt. Morris, Michigan, ultimately serving as Head of the Science Department in both the Mt. Morris, and Dayton City School District, Dayton, Ohio.

After retiring from teaching, Bette moved to Cincinnati to be closer to her children and grandchildren. Never one to be idle, she freelanced as a Scientific Research Associate for the Cincinnati EPA, Hillshire Farms, The Kroger Company, and Procter & Gamble. When she finally retired from all professional pursuits, Bette returned to Wilberforce, where she built her forever home next door to the house in which she was raised-on the very land where she once played and which she later inherited from her parents. That home became a gathering place for family, offering comfort, conversation, and care to all who entered. Bette also continued to put her chemistry and laboratory skills to good use as a gourmet cook, delighting family and friends with dishes created as thoughtfully as any experiment.

Although Bette built a wonderful career, her greatest joy was rearing her three children. She approached motherhood with the same intention she brought to teaching-setting high standards, offering steady guidance, and surrounding her children with love, laughter, and lifelong lessons. Family was her proudest classroom and her most enduring legacy. She would often welcome outside children into her home, allowing them to feel a little more secure and a little more loved.

She was a beautiful, smart, charismatic woman who didn’t just enter a room-she commanded it. She was an engaging storyteller who could captivate any audience. Her world view was refreshingly direct, frequently hilarious, and never sugar-coated. She will be deeply missed for her sharp mind, commanding presence, infectious laughter, and unapologetic clarity. Heaven is now smarter, bolder, and almost certainly better organized with someone like her who knows exactly how things get done. So, good job Bette; Class Dismissed! - but your lessons will live on forever.

Bette was preceded in death by her parents, William and Alma (Masterson) Carr, and brother, Dr. Alfred C. Carr, Sr., M.D.

Bette will be lovingly remembered by her brother, Bill (LouEva) Carr, Jr. of Detroit, Michigan; her three children: son Rev. Rick (Rhonda) King of Cedar Hill, Texas; daughter Patricia Meridy of West Carrollton, Ohio; and son Brian Atwater of Huntington Woods, Michigan. She also leaves behind three grandchildren: Ryan (Brandi) King - Union, Kentucky, Erin King - Elizabethtown, Kentucky and Jennifer Meridy - West Carrollton, Ohio; seven great-grandchildren: Donovan, McKenzie, Isaiah, Merissa, Brooklyn, Reece, and Melani; along with a host of nieces, nephews, extended family members, and many friends who were educated whether they asked for it or not.

The family would like to give a very special thank you to Demetrius Taylor, neighbor, and loving surrogate son, who was always there when needed, with his special touch of making sure she felt calm and safe, just as any superhero would do. Also, a very special thank you to Tracy Jamison, a caregiver who gave tender loving care to Bette for several years.

We are profoundly saddened for our loss and profoundly grateful for her love.

“Well done, good and faithful servant. Enter into the joy of your Lord.” - Matthew 25:23

Visitation will be held from 5:30pm-6:30pm on Friday, January 16, 2026 at Zion Baptist Church (565 E Main St Xenia), where funeral services will begin at 6:30pm with Gary Chapman officiating.

There will be a graveside service at 10:00am on Saturday, January 17, 2026 at Massies Creek Cemetery (2127 Tarbox Cemetery Rd, Cedarville).

To share a memory of Bette or leave a special message for her family, please visit the Guestbook below.