Muncie Times, Muncie, Delaware County, 10 February 2011 — Page 11

The Muncie Times • February 10, 2011 • Page 11

continued from page 1 years of service and commitment to God and the church. On Feb. 19, 1964, she married Cecil D. Beatty. On Dec. 15, 1964, they became the adoptive parents of a newborn, John Lyndon Fitzgerald. Next came Kimberly Jane born Jan. 6, 1966. “Those were two of my happiest moments, besides being saved,”she said. On Jan. 8 of this year, Beatty was honored by her son, John, and daughter, Kimberly, at a birthday luncheon attended by over 100 family, friends and church members. A special service was presented, with Pastor Frank Scott Sr. officiating. Selected tributes from family friends and those assembled talked of the many contributions made by her as a moth-

er, mentor, role model, Christian and friend Words of encouragement were offered by her pastor, Rev. Howard with final remarks made by Beatty. In an interview with The Muncie Times in her home, she said that one of the most important life lessons she holds on to is to do onto others as you would have them do onto you. “I try to treat others theway I hope they would treat me,” she said. Often asked what she attributes her longevity to, she said, “The only answer I can give is that even before the moment of conception, the Lord gives us a time to be born and a time to die. After birth we are given an assignment and we are here until we complete that assignment. "The most important thing is to stay on the battlefield for the Lord. “I was blessed to have

John, Mary and Kim Beatty my own mother to live for almost 99 years." Still robust in spirit, she smiled as she said, ”In the morning I get up and thank the Lord for a new day. I wash my face and hands, fix my breakfast and make my bed. Then I read my Bible, one chapter each morning and say my morning prayer and do whatever else needs to be done.” Her son, John, looks at his mother with obvious love and respect as she reclines on the chaise in

her living room, with her legs elevated. “People have made me feel so special. My birthday party was so nice. Even though I couldn’t hear everything that was said, I appreciated the many people who were there and that they said something nice about me. I tried to live a life before my children as a good role model andnow that they are on their own, I know that they are good role models spiritually,’’she said. John Beatty said, “I have been blessed to have her for a mother. I know my biological mother and I have no remorse. God knew where I belonged and that I am able to be with her and help her on a daily basis is also God’s provision for her. She’s done so much for so many people and I try to carry out the same level of kindness and devotion that she demonstrated to me.”

Mrs. Beatty also said, “I have been blessed with so many awesome things. I neverthought I would live to see a black president. So many things have changed for the better. One thing that I see needed is for Christians to be in prayer for the raising of our children.” After being employed at several places, including the former Chevrolet plant, Holiday Inn, Ball Stores Collegiate Shop and Pizza King, Mrs. Beatty moved into home health care, from which she retired at 78. She stopped driving at 84. About her long life, Mrs.Beatty said, “I believe the key has been not only my faithfulness to God, but God’s faithfulness to me. (Plus) (T)he ability to laugh, read, pray and eat the food that the Father has harvested for us.”

Looking for Youth to spotlight!

Attn: Parents, teachers, neighbors and friends.

If you know of any youth grades 6-12 with a minimum GPA of 3.0 on a 4.0 scale and would like to see them featured in Youth Spotlight, Please send their name, phone number and email address to:

[email protected] In the subject line please type Youth Spotlight ATTN: Judy Mays