12/20/2025
Bettie Carroll (my mother), retired public school teacher, age 90.
From a conversation at the Henry County Nursing Home, where she offered advice to a young person who wants to become a teacher:
“I came here in 1979 when my husband retired from the military, and my father, Jay Adams in Clio, had died unexpectedly of a heart attack.
I had over fifteen years of teaching experience and graduate degrees. At first, they wouldn’t hire me — they planned to hire someone just graduating, uncertified, and with political connections.
Unfortunately, that’s how Henry County works. It’s not what you know — it’s who you know.
I was offered a job at a private school by some very nice people, but I really wanted to teach in a public school. I felt everyone deserved a good education, not just those who were privileged.
I went to Abbeville and met with a relative — my husband’s uncle, Taft Mathison, who served on Abbeville's city council.
He asked, ‘Why do you want this?’ and I explained. He said, ‘This is very political, Bettie. The only way is for me to force the superintendent to do the right thing — whether he likes it or not.’ Then he cautioned me, saying, ‘These are not people you really want to be involved with.’
I told Taft how deeply I believed education should be free to all, regardless of background, race, or who our parents are. I grew up next door to George Wallace, and I know what is right and wrong. My father told me, 'evil keeps faith with all who hunger for power and wealth'. Everyone should be treated equally, and that starts in school. I said, ‘God wants this for me — I just feel it.’
Taft said, ‘If that’s so, Bettie, then He will make it happen — whether they want it or not.’
A week later, William Covington, then the superintendent, drove up to our farm and asked to speak with me. He said he was sorry for what had happened before and that the county would be offering me a job teaching English at Abbeville High School the following year.
That’s how I got my job — not under ideal circumstances. The truth is, they didn’t want me. But God did want me there.
From my first day, I knew I had made the right decision to follow my heart. I had a wonderful experience over three decades and met some of the best students you could imagine. Many still stop by to visit. Although I’ve forgotten some names, I always recognize their smiles.
My advice to anyone who wants to teach in the Henry County school system is this: keep God on your side. Yes, this place is political, and often opportunities go to those who aren’t the most qualified but have the right connections. Don’t fear that. If God wants you to do what’s in your heart, He will make it happen. Pray and don’t be discouraged.
And if it happens, you’ll know you are right where He wants you to be — and you will do well. Don’t let those who think they control things intimidate you. Only God makes those decisions.”
