Betty Whobrey, 86, has a rich legacy in the field of education. Starting from a one-room schoolhouse, she went on to start several programs for gifted students and earn the honor of Kentucky Colonel in her home state. Now, she’s enjoying a fulfilling retirement as a resident at Morning Pointe of Knoxville, Tennessee, Assisted Living.
A Country Girl
Born in Louisville, Kentucky, Betty was raised on a farm. She went to one-room schools for eight years as she was growing up, and she quickly knew what she wanted to be when she reached adulthood: “It’s always been my desire to be a teacher.”
Betty began her teaching career at age 18, teaching at the Cave School in Grayson County, Kentucky, on a mud road. She was warned that the children could be unruly, but she found smart ways to mitigate that issue. For example, there were several older boys who were repeating eighth grade, and she taught them not just academics but also responsibility by enlisting them to help her with the lower grades. Another key was keeping the children busy. “Once they’re bored, they get into mischief,” she explained.
Betty taught at several one-room schools in the county for six years, working on her master’s and rank 1 from Western Kentucky University during weekends and summers, usually three credit hours at a time. After that, she moved to teaching sixth grade at a “consolidated” school in Grayson County where the grades were separated and the children had school bus service.
Gifted Programs
Eventually, seeing Betty’s dedication and talent, the Grayson County educational system hired her to create a program for gifted students throughout the county. She worked with kids in first through sixth grades, providing more challenging curriculum for those who were able to advance further.
“You have to teach them to accept their ability without showing it off,” Betty said.
For her role in developing the program, Betty was named to the Honorable Order of Kentucky Colonels, Kentucky’s ambassadors of goodwill and fellowship around the world. She was very surprised by the recognition.
Kentucky wasn’t the only state where Betty taught. After 30 years teaching there, she moved to Atlanta, Georgia, where she taught second grade for 12 years.
Betty was living next to a Hebrew academy. One day, she was concerned about a tree on their property that was hanging close to her house, and she went over to ask if she could cut it down. She started talking to the administration and told them a little about what she did. It happened that they were looking for a teacher to start a gifted program for their school! They hired her to develop an individualized, independent program for the school.
In all, Betty dedicated 43 years of her life to teaching, retiring in 2001.
Coming to Morning Pointe
Betty has twin daughters, Garri Lynn and Terri Lea, and as she was getting older, she decided to move to the Knoxville area to be closer to them. She had planned in advance with long-term care insurance to eventually move into an assisted living community so as not to burden her family, so that’s what she did.
“I checked out a lot of the different places,” Betty shared. “When I walked in here, something about the atmosphere here just felt right.” She became a Morning Pointe of Knoxville resident on Dec. 26, 2021.
“Morning Pointe has become a home to me,” she added. “It’s very comfortable here. If I want to be alone, I can, and if I want to mingle, I can. The staff have been around when I needed them.”
Always a learner, Betty loves activities that help keep her mind sharp, like computer games and Rummikub. She joins bingo games sometimes and has a lot to talk about with the other retired educators who live in the community.
“It’s the dream come true if you’ve dreamed about having a good retirement,” Betty said.
Betty, we are glad that we can give back to you in your golden years as you have given to so many children and families over the years. We are so glad you are part of our Morning Pointe Senior Living family!
