Betty Jane Bershell, of Rockford departed this earthly life November 1, 2024. She was born December 20, 1945 in Omaha, Nebraska the daughter of Sergeant Charles Williams and Rosanna Duncan-Williams. Betty lived in Rockford over 35 years coming from Minneapolis, Minnesota. She married Maurice Perkins, he preceded her in death. Betty latter married Sam Bershell, he preceded her in death also. She was employed with the Rockford Board of Education, serving as a reading coach at Spring Creek Elementary and was employed by the Rockford Public Library serving at the Montague Branch and Downtown Branch. Before moving to Rockford Betty was employed as a Para Legal at the District Attorneys Office in Cedar Rapids, Iowa and in Portland, Oregon. She was a life member of the African Methodist Episcopal Church.  She was a member of Phi Theta Kappa Honorary Academic and Iowa Legal Assistant Association. Betty graduated from High School in Springfield, Missouri; and she received her Associates Degree in the Para Legal program, from Kirkwood College in Cedar Rapids, Iowa, retaining a 4.0 grade point average and on the National Dean's List. Betty leaves to cherish many loving memories, her son, Robert (Ritchla) King and daughter, Stephanie Aure; six grandchildren, including  Kordell Jeremiah King, Daniel Robert King, Stephen Michael King, Kellan Michael Aure and Aidan Mitchel Aure; a host of nieces, nephews, cousins other relatives and friends. She was predeceased by her two husbands; her parents; son, Joseph Michael Hill; four brothers, Charles Williams Jr., Frederick Williams, Marion Williams and John Williams; sister, Rose Reynolds; and son in law Dr. Aaron Aure.

Memorial Services will be held 4:00 p.m. Thursday, November 7, 2024 at Deliverance Crusader Center 2101 Auburn Street. Doors will be open from 3:00 p.m. until the time of service.