Tribute to Mrs Betty Kerr

It was with great sadness that we learned of the death of our Emeritus Honorary Secretary, Mrs Betty Kerr on 14th January 2021.

Betty was a true Victorian - a former pupil, a member of Staff and the driving force behind the O.G.A. for 50 years.

Elizabeth (Betty) Henderson was born on 16th March 1934. Her early childhood was marred by the death of her father when she was only 6 years old.

Betty heard about Victoria College from one of her second cousins and was determined that she would go to Victoria. The family lived in North Belfast and local schools were suggested but Betty stood her ground against her mother to realise her dream. So began her lifelong engagement with Victoria. At that time there was a Corporation bus route from The Waterworks to Donegall Pass, a short walk from Lower Crescent, and Betty joined fellow pupils from North Belfast on her daily commute.

Betty missed most of her first year at Victoria as she was ill with rheumatic fever. Mrs Harbison, Head of Physics and Betty’s Form Mistress, sent her work to do at home and Betty retained a great fondness and respect for Mrs Harbison. During that year of ill health Betty became an “author” and wrote stories about 'Gilda of the Hebrides', although to her it was the 'He-brides'!

On her return to Victoria, Betty excelled in English under the tutelage of Miss Lindsay, taking first place in Northern Ireland in English at Junior Certificate. Her close relationship with Miss Lindsay continued until the latter’s death and she was a much loved Granny Lindsay to Betty’s children Johnny and Julie.

Friendships made by Betty at school were to last a lifetime.

Betty and Bob on Graduation Day

After success in Senior Certificate, Betty studied English at Queen’s University Belfast. While there she met her husband Robert Kerr.

Following her graduation, Betty returned to Victoria College to teach English. As Miss Henderson then Mrs Kerr, she was appointed to the Staff by Miss Cunningham and the two remained close friends for 50 years; a bond strengthened by Miss Cunningham retaining an interest in the O.G.A. as President from 1976 to 2004. Prior to her marriage Betty spent several years as a Boarding mistress in Drumglass. Betty always encouraged her pupils in reading outside the classroom. Dr Barbara Callender recalls Betty lending her a copy of “The Mill on the Floss” by George Eliot. Betty’s fashion sense made a great impression on a 9 year old Patricia Moorhead who recalls “The lovely young teacher, always dressed in smart suits and stiletto heels.”

Betty taught for a short period following her marriage to Bob and then became a fulltime mother to Johnny and Julie, returning to Victoria for periods as a supply teacher.

When Mrs Winifred Templeton sadly died in December 1976, Betty and Joan Russell became Joint Honorary Secretaries, a position that Betty would then hold alone until 2015. Betty encouraged young Victorians to join her on Committee. On hearing of Betty’s death Heather Montgomery wrote: “She was very good to me as a student when I first joined the O.G.A. Committee, looking after me at all the meetings and looking out for me at events when no-one else from my year group was there.“

Betty ensured that throughout the darkest years of “The Troubles” the O.G.A. continued to meet. Following the move from Lower Crescent to The Cranmore Site, she was instrumental in organising the Annual Dinner in the School Canteen for almost 40 years. Victorians young and old will remember being greeted warmly at the door by Betty.

Everyone who served on Committee with Betty will have memories of “The Magazine”. For many years, in early January, Betty galvanised her team to ‘envelope’ and distribute it. Over 1000 copies were either posted or hand-delivered. To save on postage Betty delegated delivery to Committee Members. Often, as many as 50 Magazines were delivered by individual Committee Members and their children!

Old Girls remember Betty’s great love and passion for cats, and were prepared to meet numerous cats when calling at Betty’s home. One of the original cats was called “Paddy” and he really was legendary!

The School celebrated its 150th Anniversary in 2009 with a number of commemorative events. Among these was a Dinner for four hundred and fifty guests at the Culloden Hotel. Betty ensured that a significant number of Old Girls joined Staff, Former Members of Staff, Parents and Friends at the event. In June 2014 Betty and a small committee began planning the Centenary Celebrations for the O.G.A. which culminated in a Gala Evening in Parliament Buildings on 1st May 2015. At the end of a very successful event Margaret Andrews, President of the O.G.A., presented Betty with a brooch in recognition of her many years of service to the Association.

After over 50 years of service to the O.G.A., Betty decided to step down from her position as Honorary Secretary. The loss of her husband Bob in December 2016 and her own failing health were key factors in her decision. Betty did however retain a keen interest in all the activities of the O.G.A. She received a report from every meeting and was delighted to be recognised as Emeritus Honorary Secretary in appreciation of her very significant contribution to the O.G.A.

Betty’s final attendance at the Annual Dinner was at The Ulster Reform Club in May 2017

We will all remember Betty's quiet and efficient organisation of many events throughout the years and her real joy in maintaining contact with Victorians, young and old. She will be greatly missed.

We send our sincere condolences to her son Johnny, daughter Julie, and their families.