Elizabeth “Betty” Jane Tuggle was born on August 28, 1929 to the late William “Sky” and Mary Elizabeth Johnson in Springfield, Ohio and was raised in Cincinnati, Ohio. She was preceded in death by her sibling, William L. Johnson. Betty was united in marriage to Carl Tuggle on November 24, 1951. To this union, three daughters were born: Blayre, Charlette and Carlotta.
The love and devotion for children lead Betty to pursue a career in teaching. She graduated from Withrow High School, received a Bachelor of Science degree in Home Economics from Central State University and a Certification in Special Education from the University of Cincinnati. Her teaching career began with the Hamilton County Council for Retarded Children in 1958. She began working for the Cincinnati Public Schools in 1966 and retired from CPS in 1992 with 34 years of service. She received numerous awards during her teaching career that included Outstanding Teacher recognition, Mahogany Model service and recognition, Woodward High School Teacher of the Year, and many more. During her tenure as a teacher, Betty was also instru-mental in starting Cincinnati’s own Black College Tour. The tours gave hundreds of teens exposure to Historically Black Colleges and Universities for over 28 years.
Betty was very active in her church, Allen Temple A.M.E. where she served as a dedicated member of the Women’s Missionary Society, Stewardess, Usher Board member, New Direction and Scholarship Committee.
She was also a very active member of her community, serving 25 years as a leader and advisor for the Girl Scouts of America, Past President of Jack and Jill, Crayons to Computers volunteer and Paddock Hills Neighborhood Committee. Some of her social commitments include, Les’ Amis, Mr. & Mrs. Club, La Dorcas Bridge Club and Bowling League.
Left to carry on Betty’s legacy is her husband, Carl Tuggle; daughters, Blayre Rebecca Tuggle, M.D., Charlette (James) Fuller and Carlotta (Fred) Jackson; three grand-children, and a host of nieces and nephews and close friends.