Betty Frances Cradle was called home to eternal rest on January 10, 2015 at Georgetown University Hospital.
Betty was born November 29, 1950 in Washington, DC, the 8th of 10 children, to Samuel H. Cradle and the late Annie Cradle. When she was very young, they moved to St. Mary’s County, MD, where she was raised and educated; graduating from Chopticon High School in 1967. She had a strong work ethic, and upon graduation worked at Banneker School as a Special Education Paraeducator. She later moved to DC where she resided for many years, always living in the same apartment building close to her parents or sister, whom she loved dearly. While there, she held positions as a Telephone Operator for C&P, an assistant at a Law Office, and a Clerk for the Post Office. She later returned to St. Mary’s County, and worked as a School Bus Aide before becoming ill.
Throughout her life, Betty was constantly referred to as the “mother hen”; she tried to take care of everyone. Her unselfishness was always evident to family, friends and strangers alike. Even when she only had a little, she always tried to give something. If you knew of her sacrifice and tried not to take it, you quickly learned “no” was not an option, not to Betty. She was “tough as nails”, and fearless. Although short in stature at 5 feet, Betty was gigantic in personality, strength, and will. She was known for her bold fashion sense, her love of cars, especially mustangs, her ability to beat most guys at drag racing, her beautiful calligraphy and drawings, love of cooking, love of the color blue and seashells and outstanding dancing skills. There are numerous stories of how she won hand-dancing competitions, with or without a partner; “did the matrix”; and danced a young man, who foolishly thought she was no competition, “out of his shoes”.
What she loved more than anything else in this world was her son, Shamar and grandchildren, Londyn and X’Zavier. They were the lights of her life and her reason for living! She kept thousands of pictures and videos of them and shared them with any and every one that came into her presence. There was a reciprocated glow and smile every day she saw “her boy” or the grandkids come through her door. Betty was really family-oriented. She kept in touch with all her siblings, nieces and nephews through phone, email or Facebook. She would get excited about every family gathering and even in failing health, would have to be forced out of the kitchen because she always wanted to help cook or clean up while everyone else enjoyed themselves. She would work so hard that she would sometimes be sick for days or weeks after, but wanted to contribute.
Betty had several health scares throughout her life including battling liver failure for the last ten years and cancer. She amazed numerous doctors, who admitted that they did not know how she was still living. Throughout her years of sickness and several extended trips to Georgetown University Hospital, she kept a never-ending smile on her face and never complained. She appreciated the several visitors over the years, especially her niece Sonya (Toni) who fought hard to get her the best care. Her faith, instead of wavering after constant trials and tribulations, got stronger. She would proclaim that “it will be all that it needs to be”. She always shared inspirational thoughts and sayings and even at her sickest, found time to pray, not just for herself, but for all of her family and friends. The doctors and nurses at Georgetown loved her. Many would stop by her room and talk to her as if they were old friends. Many of them proclaimed that she was their favorite and got emotional upon seeing her come back with deteriorating health.
She was preceded in death by her mother, Annie Cradle; brothers, James Cradle, Kenneth Cradle, Stephen Cradle and sister, Sheila Cradle. She leaves to cherish her beautiful, strong memory her beloved son, Shamar Hickman (Thomesha); 2 cherished grandchildren, Londyn and X’Zavier Hickman; her dear father, Samuel H. Cradle; brothers, Marvin Cradle (Angel), Dorian Cradle (Agnes) and Samuel Ronald Cradle; sisters, Martha Bradley, Charlotte Somerville (Blaine) and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends.
Family will unite with friends on Friday, January 16, 2015 for visitation at 9 am until time of service at 11 am at Gospel Tabernacle of Prayer Church, 24516 Budds Creek Road, Clements, MD 20624. Interment to follow at Galilee United Methodist Cemetery, Rt. 247 (Oakville), Mechanicsville, MD 20659. Arrangements by Briscoe-Tonic Funeral Home, Mechanicsville, MD.
