In Memory of Betty Lou Wells
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Betty Louretta Wells was one of the seven original founding members of the Conservation Alliance in 1972. Betty Lou, who moved with her parents to Fort Pierce in 1946, became a well-known figure in the community, originally due to her work as a substitute teacher for many schools and as a full-time teacher at Fort Pierce Central High School and Westwood High School.
A dedicated lover of nature, she turned that passion into action by serving many local organizations. In addition to helping found the Conservation Alliance of St. Lucie County along with Marjorie Silver Alder, Lace and Walter Vitunac, John and Jane Brooks, and Carol Herzog, Betty Lou was also active in the Audubon Native Plant Society, League of Woman Voters, Democratic Women’s Club and St. Lucie Historical Society. Betty Lou was also a frequent and erudite letter-writer to government agencies, political leaders and newspaper editors to educate voters or regulators and impact decisions she felt could harm the Florida natural beauty and environment she deeply loved. Strong in her convictions yet always patient and gracious, Betty Lou mentored and encouraged those around her to stay informed, attend meetings, communicate with elected officials, and engage others to do the same. Betty Lou passed away on January 29, 2019 at the age of 97; she left a legacy of modeling and encouraging our active participation in local government, which requires that participation in order to operate in positive ways. |
