Bettie Sue Darus, 80, retired longtime educator, of Melrose, entered the sunset of life after a long illness on Wednesday, January 1, 2025 at Magnolia Ridge Rehabilitation Center, Gainesville. Bettie Darus attended PK Yonge High School where she played basketball, holding the title of "Miss All County." She was a member of the National Honor Society and Keyettes. After graduating from high school, Bettie attended the University of Florida (Go GATORS!) where she received her Bachelor of Science Degree in Education. She also obtained Master's and Specialists (EDS) degrees.

Bettie was a well loved and respected educator in both Putnam County (Palatka Junior/Senior High, Jenkins Middle, Melrose Elementary) and Alachua County (Homebound Program through Sidney Lanier Center, Eastside High, and Buchholz High where she spent her last few years as Dean of Students). Bettie retired from teaching after 32 years. During that time, she sponsored the cheerleaders and other school organizations, when asked. She was an active member of the Florida Education Association, National Education Association, and the Putnam County Teachers' Union. After retirement, Bettie (also known as Mother Darus) worked as a children's advocate with DCF, CFS, CPS, and GAL. She took these positions seriously and actively following up on each case assignment. It was personal for her to follow through until the end.

Bettie was preceded in eternal rest by her parents, Lena A. Mcinnis-Darus and Thomas. J. Darus. Sr.;  5 siblings, John L. (Helen) Darus,  Myrtice G. (James O. Sr.) Darus-Player, JT (Joyce) Darus, Hazel M. (Louis) Darus- Hicks-Prevatt, Thomas J. Darus, Jr.

She leaves to cherish her memories: wife, Amelia "Amy" Cooper; dog, Pickles; 9 cats, L.E., Little Bit, Midnight, Dickens, Parker, Grey, Tabu, Babu, and Willow; nieces, Patricia Stout, Ocala; Sherrie Hicks, Citrus City; Anne (Jim) Darus-Maloof, North Carolina; nephews, James O. Player, Jr., Concord, NH; Robert D. (Julie) Hicks, Columbia, SC; David (Amanda) Hicks, Jacksonville; Brian Darus, Orlando; sister-in-law, Mary Katherine, Fanning Springs; and numerous great great-nieces and nephews, other relatives and dear friends.

"A Service of Remembrance" in loving memory of Mother Darus will be 2 p.m., Saturday, February 22 at "Flagg's Chapel of Serenity."