A mother shot twice in the head at age 24, Betty Cooper could never understand how she could survive, and then later lose not one, but two sons to gun violence. Her response to the overwhelming tragedies and adversities she was dealt in life was, amazingly, to choose faith, to give to others in need, and to find meaning in creativity. She left a legacy of courage, service and her signature, sassy resilience.

“Betty’s Things” is inspired by and dedicated to this unbelievable woman who was talented, compassionate and incredible. Betty was a woman who overcame great adversity and unthinkable tragedies in her too-short life, touching countless people with her generosity, courage and abiding commitment to service.

Enduring emotional and physical abuse over ten years from two husbands resulting in critically endangering her life, Betty was a survivor who became a powerful champion of others. At the age of 30, already a mother of five, Betty became a grandmother who adopted her grandchildren as well as a cousin’s two children.

In addition to serving her family as a single parent, Betty had a full-time job, worked part time teaching CPR and volunteered as a school bus driver for disadvantaged children, taking them on trips they might otherwise not have had the opportunity to experience. She also enjoyed bowling, cooking, fishing and dancing, though her true passions were sewing and crafting.

After her second son’s death, Betty partnered with SFPD Homicide Division and dedicated herself for years to speaking to prison inmates all over the Bay Area. Sharing the devastation of losing two sons, as well as her own nearly fatal experience, she hoped to help guide these inmates toward a different path in life. Receiving numerous awards for her selfless acts, Betty was pinned a “Mother of Courage” for her service to an organization by creating homicide quilts in remembrance and honor of lives taken by gun violence.

Once her grandchildren were grown, Betty dug deep into her heart and soul to reawaken her passion for sewing and crafting. Seizing every opportunity to learn about sewing, embroidery, heat vinyl transfers, screen printing, and all aspects of crafting, she purchased her first large multi-needle embroidery machine along with several other machines and finally realized her dream, birthing “Betty’s Things” in 2002.

Betty ran a very successful business for ten years despite facing a number of illnesses and disabilities. Her health challenges gradually weakened her fragile body, however, calling her home at the too-young age of 69.

Today, Betty’s family is honored to carry on her legacy. We sincerely thank you for your love and support.

Welcome to “Betty’s Things,” where your imagination breeds creation.