Betty Jo Kirby Morton

Betty Jo Kirby Morton was the first woman to be inducted into the Emory & Henry Sports Hall of Fame. She received this honor in recognition of her excellence as a basketball player at a time when it was uncommon for women to participate in sports.

Morton played and lettered in basketball three of her years at Emory & Henry. She was captain of the 1941 team and served as the president of the girl’s varsity club. Outside of athletics, Morton was also a member of Kappa Phi Alpha social sorority and the Alethian Literary Society.

After graduating, Morton served as a substitute teacher and volunteered as a remedial reading tutor for disadvantaged students. She was also civically engaged as a leader of the Scouts and an active member of the United Methodist Women.

Born on December 16, 1923, Betty Jo Morton passed away on November 14, 2014 at age 89.