Betty G. Clack

Betty Gene Robinson was the third child of Effie Mae and Arsell Robinson born on November 15, 1945, in Bude, Mississippi. From an early age, Betty was a bright, spirited soul, bringing love, laughter, and a little mischief wherever she went.

After the untimely passing of her mother, Betty, still in junior high, stepped into a caregiving role for her siblings, a responsibility she would carry with grace and devotion for the rest of her life. Family was never an obligation to Betty; it was her calling.

She found joy in cooking and baking for those she loved, often using fresh produce from her grandparents’ farm. Though she did not enjoy picking fruits and vegetables, she famously carried salt in one pocket and pepper in the other, preferring to snack straight from the field along the way.

A firm believer in Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.’s words, “Do what’s right even when it’s not popular,” Betty never shied away from speaking her truth. She used her voice boldly—to advocate, to empower, and to stand firm in what she knew was right. That strength of conviction led her father to send her to live with family in Oakland, California, in 1963, where she could complete high school and pursue further education in a more politically welcoming environment.

In Oakland, Betty thrived. She graduated at the top of her class and went on to attend the University of California, Berkeley, with dreams of becoming a doctor. It was during this chapter of her life that she met Charles Clack, whom she would later reconnect with after moving to Seattle in 1964. The two married in 1967 and welcomed two beautiful children, Kwajalein and Mario Clack.

Betty’s home, and her heart, were always open. Over the years, she welcomed many of her siblings to Seattle, helping them set up new lives there. For a time in the 1970s, the family lived together in the Clack home on Madison, a testament to her belief that family should never have to face life alone.

A founding member of the Magic Wheels Motorcycle Club, Betty was an active and proud member for 15 years, spanning 1977-1992, traveling across the country to roundups and creating memories that spanned generations—often bringing along siblings, children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren. Riding was not just a passion; it was freedom, community, and joy.

Betty also dedicated herself to service through her career as a King County Metro bus driver, faithfully transporting riders from South to North Seattle for over 26 years. She never met a stranger and never hesitated to help someone in need.

Her greatest joy in life was her family. She reveled in showing up, whether for graduations, new babies, business ventures, or moments both big and small. Those were the times when her smile shined brightest and her heart swelled fullest.

Losing her mother at such an early age shaped her outlook on life. She prayed to God not only to see her children grow, but to experience the joy of grandchildren—and she did so with immense pride. Betty cherished her roles as mother, grandmother, sister, auntie, cousin, and honorary matriarch. She was fiercely proud to be a Robinson.

Betty enjoyed living well, delicious food, traveling, fishing, camping, shopping, and gambling. After retirement, she jokingly referred to the casino as her “job.” She was an amateur comedian and a professional shit-talker, but every word, sharp or sweet, was rooted in love and meant to guide you in the right direction.

Though she was not fond of photos, anyone who attended a family gathering, clubhouse event, or spent time in her home witnessed her light firsthand, from her warm greetings and singing, to dancing on the floor, to the unmistakable sound of her hearty laugh filling the room. An enjoyable time was had because joy found in quality time spent with family was what Betty valued most.

On January 28, 2026, after a long and hard-fought battle with cancer, Betty transitioned from this life surrounded by her most treasured possessions, her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren. While we are sad that she has transitioned, we take solace that her last days we surrounded her with love and laughter with visits from family and close friends who have become family.

Betty Gene Clack (Robinson) lived a life defined by love, courage, laughter, and unwavering devotion to family and community. She was truly one of a kind and she will be deeply missed by all who were blessed to know her.

Betty, was preceded in death by her mother Effie, Mae Robinson, father, Arsell Robinson, stepmother, Eliza Robinson, and siblings, Dixie Burton, Arsell Robinson Jr., Janice Robinson, Willie Roy Robinson, and Ruby Robinson 

Though she has taken her final ride, Betty’s fearless spirit and boundless love live on through her children, Kwajalein Clack and Mario Clack; grandchildren, Kaysha Witcher, Kiarra Witcher, Emanei Clack, Damani Clack, Aysia Bell, A’Sante Sky-Clack, Jordan Miller, Kabria Clack, and Harley Clack; great-grandchildren, Prince Darren Witcher, Saniya Mehari, Kemauri Hamburg, Quincy Mehari, A’Nylah Sky and Ra’Mir Hamburg; her siblings, Autraulia, James, Larry, Toyie, Vella, Merion, Jerry, Robert, Dennis, Jacqueline, Michael (Shannon), Terrell (Keisha), and Doug Robinson, Lydia Gardner-Fowler; as well as a wide circle of extended family and friends who will deeply miss her physical presence. Betty’s legacy of love and cherished memories, full of laughter, will live on in the hearts of all who had the privilege of knowing her.

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