Bettye Francis was born in Camden and attended Camden High School. She attended Southeast Missouri State in Cape Girardeau, Mo. And completed her degree at Little Rock University (now the university of Arkansas at Little Rock) with a B.S. degree in Education and Social Studies and a minor in General Science. Francis received additional educational hours at UALR and the University of Arkansas., She was licensed to teach Health, Physical Education, Social Studies, Chemistry, General Science and Physical Science 7-2 and ESL (English as Second Language). Francis spent seven years teaching at Little Rock’s St. Theresa Catholic School and 29 years at Little Rock’s Mount St. Mary Academy. Francis coached swimming, volleyball and golf. She was swimming coach for 29 years and won several state championships and produced several state runner-up teams. She coached volleyball for 27 years and won two state championships and had two state runner-up teams. She coached golf for five years. Francis was the athletic director at Mount St, Mary for 20 years and instituted the school’s junior high program. She was a member of the Arkansas Officials Association for 16 years, having the opportunity to officiate at several state volleyball tournaments. Francis spent six years at Little Rock Hall and retired in 2015 after teaching 41 years. Bettye Francis’ memberships also include: • Member of NFHSC and AHSCA for 29 years • Member of AHSAAA for over 20 years and one of the first women in the organization. • Member of the National Federation Swimming and Diving Committee. • Member of the Arkansas Activities Association Volleyball Advisory Committee. • Member of the Arkansas Activities Association Swimming Advisory Committee. Bettye has been married to Don Francis for nearly 51 years. They lived in Jackson, Miss., West Monroe, La. And Little Rock. Bettye and Don have three children: • Joe (Kellie) and granddaughter Taylor who live in Carey, N.C. • Mark (Pat) and grandchildren Ian, Rader, Jake and Ellie. • Tony (Angela) and grandchildren Elizabeth, Scarlette, Houston and Lauren. Bettye and Don attend St. Theresa Catholic Church, where Don is a Permanent Deacon and sings with Acapella Rising, a men’s barbershop chorus. Bettye sings with Top of the Rock chorus, a member of Sweet Adeline International. She also sings with Heart of The Rock, a small ensemble at Top of The Rock.