Anna Margret Beatty

Anna Margret Jennings Beatty, a life-long Ohioan, was born in Xenia, OH. When she was six years old, Anna’s family moved to the Hilltop to reside at 267 S. Oakley. Her parents, Clarence Fias and Mary Ellen Fields Jennings raised nine children in the one-bedroom home with an inside toilet. Anna attended John Burroughs Elementary and graduated, in 1936, from West High School. For two years, Anna worked part-time and attended The Ohio State University full-time to pursue becoming a dietician. When told that colored girls were not trained for that profession, and that she might like Social Work, Anna chose to marry the boy next door—Robert Alexander Beatty. After four miscarriages, Anna and Bob welcomed Trudus Ellen and Annette Elayne, 14 months apart, into their family. Bob and Anna had hopes and dreams. He bought her a portable Underwood typewriter, and Anna enrolled in night school to master typing and shorthand. Phone inquiries netted interviews, but no job. Surprisingly, vacancies were filled when Anna arrived in person. Eventually, Anna’s work ethic advanced her to Claims Examiner at the Bureau of Workman's Compensation for the State of Ohio. Anna and Bob celebrated 62 years of marriage before his demise in 2003. During their union, they purchased a home at 400 S. Wayne Avenue, took cruises to long dreamed of destinations and traveled the country. Their greatest joy was that of grandparenting three times, great grandparenting seven times and the added blessing of one great-great grandchild. Anna and Bob were proud Americans and staunch Republicans until Jessie Jackson ran for President. They both changed party affiliation to do something they never thought they could—vote for a Black man in a primary election. Anna even went to a Jackson rally at OSU where she cheered and waved her tissue in the air like she did not care. Anna invested time, talent and treasure in the Hilltop. She canvassed the neighborhood for the Heart Fund, tended her yard and flower garden to which she welcomed visitors, and was a 50-year plus member of Oakley Baptist Church. Anna served in many positions including Primary Superintendent of Sunday School, Carol Jackson Circle Missionary member, and Deaconess. Ever mindful of the Lord’s leading, Anna became a founding member of the Worship Center of Central Ohio where she was beloved as “Mother Beatty.” God, who does all things well in His infinite wisdom, allowed Anna to transition from time to eternity on the date of her birth. She was preceded in death by her husband, Robert Alexander Beatty, parents, Clarence Fias Jennings and Mary Ellen Fields Jennings, and siblings, Clarence Jennings, Warren Jennings, Virginia Collins, Edith Elliott, James Jennings, Gwendolyn Jennings and Howard Jennings. Celebrating Anna’s time on earth are her children, Trudus E. Lynch and Dr. Annette E. Jefferson; sister Adeline E. Brown; grandchildren, Darrin M. (Elder Bradly) Grandison, Alan R. Jefferson, and Kenya N. (Timothy) Davis; great grandchildren, Ty Grandison, Tia Grandison, Robert Jefferson, Michael Grandison, Marshal Grandison, Nashon Hinkle, Timothy Davis and Jalyn Jefferson; great-great grandchild Isaiah Harris; and a host of nephews, nieces, cousins and friends.