Betty Jean Temple

Betty J. Temple affectionately known as “Mama Bee” was born in Rocky Mount, North Carolina to Linwood Nicholson and Lucille Burt Nicholson on March 3, 1947. At a young age, she moved to the Philadelphia area with her extended family where she received her education. 

Betty later relocated to Kansas City, Missouri with her late husband, Rev. Ambrose Eugene Temple III, where she was a devoted wife and mother of seven (7) children. 
Betty started her career in nursing, caring for patients in long-term facilities. This sparked her journey into community and political advocacy with a primary focus on rights for senior citizens and minorities. This is evidenced by the establishment of the New Gray Panthers Kansas City Chapter where she served as president for several years. She was a committee member for the Grandparents as Parents Association and could often be found at rallies or protests, including going to the State Capital, to address local and regional injustices. During this time, Betty also obtained her PhD in Christian tian Counseling and served as a mentor, advocate, and friend to many. Her joy for family, travel, and education was an inspiration for us all and her legacy will live on. 
Betty transitioned to glory on Friday, May 12, 2023.

She was preceded in death  by her parents, Linwood Nicholson and Lucille Burt Nicholson; husband, Rev. Ambrose Eugene Temple III; brothers, Willie Earl Nicholson, and Sammie Lee Nicholson; grandchild, Montee’ Ross Jr., and special friend, Darnell Revell. 
She leaves to cherish her memory, one son, Thomas ‘Tony’ Temple Sr.  (Mary Temple); six daughters, Tracey Temple, Tyra Walker (Crit Walker Sr.), Sarale Gilliam (Otha Gilliam), Merial Berry (LaMont Berry Sr.), Robin J. Kearney (Jim Kearney), and Alicia ‘Lisa’ Temple; sister, Regina Johnson (Atlanta, GA.), brother, Alvin Nicholson (Philadelphia, PA), and sister, Sonja Spencer (Kansas City); Aunt Lilly (New York); sister cousin, Marie  Noel; twenty grandchildren; thirteen great-grandchildren with 1 on the way; and a host of uncles, aunts,  nephews, nieces, cousins, extended family members, and friends. 

Funeral Services will be held on Thursday May 25, 2023 at Mt. Sinai Missionary Baptist Church

Visitation will be from 10 A.M. - 11 A.M.

Services will begin at 11 A.M.     This service will be LIVESTREAMED on our website Kcgoldengate.com

Internment: XII GATES MEMORIAL GARDENS