For 46 years, the union of Bettye and Aylon Pate blessed residents of Jackson Parish through their friendship and civic benevelancy. In July 2022, Aylon received his heavenly reward but that hasn’t stopped Ms. Bettye, as she is known to her many friends, from continuing to be a great benefit to others.

This past week, Quitman High School dedicated new bleachers and protective railing at the Quitman High School track in honor of Aylon and Bettye Pate, who donated the money for the purchase. 

“We greatly appreciate Ms. Bettye, who in honor of her husband Aylon, provided the funding that allowed us to acquire the bleachers for our track,” said QHS Principal Billy Carter. “She not only dedicated her life as a working professional to the students of Jackson Parish but continues to be a blessing today.” 

This is on top of the incredibly generous donation of $200,000.00 to the Applied and Natural Science program at Louisiana Tech Ms. Bettye made in honor of her late husband to endow two scholarships. This will provide up to $1000.00 per quarter to assist a student pursuing a career in either field.

“WE ARE DEEPLY HONORED THAT MS. BETTY PATE HAS CHOSEN TO DEVELOP THE BETTYE AND AYLON PATE SCHOLARSHIPS THAT WILL HONOR HER LATE HUSBAND, AYLON, WHILE PROVIDING SIGNIFICANT SUPPORT FOR OUR STUDENTS. HER COMMITMENT WILL BE THE DIFFERENCE-MAKER FOR SO MANY STUDENTS, AND THOSE STUDENTS WILL MAKE A DIFFERENCE IN THEIR CAREERS FOR SO MANY OTHERS.” – Dr. Gary Kennedy, Dean of Tech’s College of Applied and Natural Science

Ms. Bettye has spent her life serving the people of Jackson Parish in many areas. For decades she taught home economics and was the school food service supervisor for Jackson Parish. She also has been as an officer in numerous civic service organizations, including being the first female president of the Jackson Parish Chamber of Commerce. Ms. Bettye also blesses the Jonesboro-Hodge Methodist Church where she is a dedicated member and guiding light as a member of the Board of Trustees, Sunday School teacher and supervisor of many church projects.