Longstanding community partner, Jeremiah’s Garden’s, held a dedication in March to honor Mrs. Bettye Lofton, co-founder of the garden, who passed away in October.
She and her husband Roy created a community garden with the goal of producing healthy fresh fruits and vegetables to support the charitable work of feeding the hungry in West Alabama.
With the support of their local church, Holy Spirit Parish, The Catholic Services of West Alabama, and volunteers from the community, the garden produces and donates thousands of pounds of produce, vegetables, honey and fruit annually to agencies in West Alabama who are fighting food insecurity.
In Mrs. Bettye’s memory, the orchard on the property that produces fruit and honey, was named Miss Bettye’s Orchard on March 1, 2025 during the annual Hands on Tuscaloosa Service Day hosted by the Serve Big student volunteer team with the University of Alabama’s Center for Service and Leadership. Her unwavering dedication to the community, volunteers and deep love for the garden will be cherished always.