Betty D. Dessie
June 9, 2002 – March 6, 2025
FUNERAL SERVICE: Monday, March 10, 2025, 11:30AM with VISITATION from 10:30-11:30AM at West Center Chapel, 7805 West Center Road, Omaha.
INTERMENT: Evergreen Cemetery
To view a live broadcast of the service, please visit www.heafeyheafey.com and click the “Live Cast” button at the top of the home page.
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Betty Dessie was born on June 9, 2002, and was 22 years old. She was born in Sioux Falls, South Dakota, to her loving mother, Elizabeth Worknhe, and devoted father, Daniel Dessie. Betty was a cherished big sister to Jersuslem and a phenomenal aunt to her precious baby nephew, Robel. She was deeply loved by her parents, sister, cousins, uncles, aunts, friends, and community.
Betty had a luminous spirit and was a brilliant scientist. She attended the University of Nebraska-Lincoln, where she earned her Bachelor of Science in MicroBiology in May 2024. A pioneer in her field, she conducted outstanding research on “Understanding the Virulence Mechanisms and Factors of Stenotrophomonas maltophilia.” Her work was recognized across the country, giving her opportunities to present her findings in Los Angeles, Wisconsin, Arizona, and at Brown University in Rhode Island.
Beyond her scientific achievements, Betty was deeply dedicated to innovative research and was a passionate advocate—both on her college campus and in the broader field. She championed important causes, including the African Student Association among other social justice initiatives.
In 2023, Betty was diagnosed with Paroxysmal Nocturnal Hemoglobinuria and aplastic anemia, a rare acquired blood disorder that progressed rapidly. Despite the challenges she faced, Betty fought with incredible strength until her very last breath. Even in moments of despair, she found the courage to pray with her family, offer them comforting words, engage in casual conversations, and share her beautiful smile—all while enduring unimaginable pain.
On March 6, 2025, the Lord called upon His angel to return to her eternal home. Though her time on earth felt too brief, it was because our Lord, Jesus Christ, had greater plans for her beautiful soul—plans that extend far beyond what anyone could have imagined for her life.
Betty Dessie
UNL Success in Research, Scholarship, and Involvement
Betty graduated from the University of Nebraska, with her undergraduate degree in Microbiology, in May 2024. She was recruited for research in the Herman lab in 2020, which led her to McNair, and much involvement as a TRIO & WHT Scholar. She also led her peers through many organizational involvements – one of which she served as the co-chair for diversity, equity, and inclusion for the Association of Students. She very much enjoyed her experiences as a UNL Husker. Betty earned numerous scholarships to attend UNL, these included the Davis, Health Sciences, Husker Power, Nebraska Achievement and Nebraska Emerging Leader.
Betty was an essential and valued member of the Herman lab. She was a joy to have in the lab and contributed to two main projects. Her first, further refined the involvement of an insulin-like signaling pathway in host-pathogen interactions. Her second discovered a role for temperature in the production of virulence factors in the pathogen. This led to new insights that will be the subject of an upcoming publication on which she will be an author.
Betty was one of nine students accepted to the McNair Scholars Program in Fall of 2021. She participated in the 2022 McNair Summer Research Program, where she was mentored by Dr. Michael Herman and worked closely with her graduate student mentor Sara Hopkins. Betty was one of the shining stars in her very close McNair cohort, who always offered insightful comments in our group discussions and thoughtful feedback to her fellow Scholars.
She attended the Annual Biomedical Research Conference for Minoritized Scientists to present her research on the national level and was dedicated to her research.
During the Summer of 2023, she expanded her research experience by participating in the Leadership Alliance REU at Brown University. Betty was a dedicated researcher and often mentioned her goal was to pursue a Ph.D. in infectious disease. Her voice will be missed in the scientific community, by her fellow Scholars, and by all of those who loved her.
Heafey-Hoffmann-Dworak-Cutler, West Center Chapel, 7805 West Center Road, Omaha, Ne
68124. (402)-391-3900. www.heafeyheafey.com
14 Comments
I still can’t believe that she has passed, Betty was like an aunt to the kids at our church and raised a lot of us.
Dear Betty, I wish you everlasting peace. Your kind, funny, brilliant, and beautiful soul has made such an impression on the people who were around you. I am grateful to have known you as a student, lab neighbor, researcher, and friend in our time together at UNL and ABRCMS. Sending lots of love to you, your family, and friends as you live on in us.
Dear Betty, I wish you everlasting peace. Your kind, funny, brilliant, and beautiful soul has left such an impression on people who were around you. I am grateful to have known you as a student, lab neighbor, researcher, and friend at UNL and ABRCMS. Sending you, your family, and friends lots of love as you live on in us.
Dear Betty, I sit here writing this message and think about your amazing presence. The time we spent together at UNL and McNair was so special. You always brought warmth, kindness, and a bright energy that made every moment memorable. Your passion for learning and your dedication to your dreams will be remembered by everyone. Your absence leaves a void, but your spirit will always remain with us—in the love you gave, and the memories those around you will cherish.
Betty, you were such a bright soul in every space you took up. I remember you coming to UNL as an eager freshmen ready to get involved on campus and in research. I remember you asking my advice on several aspects of your college career, and I remember thinking that you were going to accomplish so much. You were a staunch advocate for minorities on campus, and an even greater advocate for science. I am honored to have known you, and even though we weren’t super close after I graduated, I was a silent admirer every time you appeared on my social media. Your legacy will never be forgotten, and those that knew you are always thinking of you. Rest easy. – Aiah
The Afrikan People’s Union at the University of Nebraska- Lincoln sends their condolences to Betty’s family and friends. It was amazing to see all the amazing things she did on campus and her accomplishments did not go unnoticed!
Betty was a cherished member of the Herman Lab. I was fortunate to serve as her research mentor from 2021 to 2024. While Betty could appear quiet and unassuming, she was a fierce and determined researcher. We traveled to several conferences where Betty would present her work. She became an independent researcher and valued colleague. While doing all that she was active in student leadership, which she excelled at in her quiet way. Her loss hurts. We will miss her terribly. I am grateful to have been a part of her UNL life.
Dear Dani, Elsa, Eyerus and all the family, we are saddened and heartbroken by your loss. May God, the Father of mercies and the God of all comfort, be near to this grieving family in their time of sorrow (2 Corinthians 1:3-4). May God be with you at this difficult time and may your dearest and lovely Betty rest in heaven, in the presence of Jesus Christ. Getch, Etse and family in Portsmouth, England
Condolences to Betty’s family and friends. It is a privilege that I was able to know such an amazing person. Her memory will live on. Peaceful rest wished upon you.
God is with and will carry you through these difficult times. God be with the family Amen!!!
Betty & Dessie Family,
Thank you all for allowing me to be a part of her life. I saw something exceptional in her ability, especially in science and research. I told Betty, now you are like my own child, being she allowed me to mentor her, even during the hard times. College is stressful, but Betty succeeded everyday that she was determined to, even with her recent health condition. Today I was blessed to see her community of faith, fellowship, and love. This was so beautiful, and I am deeply appreciative that the Dessie family appreciated UNL and her support system in research. This included-Dr. Herman and the Herman Lab, TRIO, WHT Scholars, and McNair. Betty allowed me the opportunity to walk her through academia, be a mother to her at UNL, and provide all opportunities for her to shine. I am incredibly thankful to Betty, her family and her community. She lives in us and through us, and her light is something I will carry with me everyday.
Sending so much love. She did incredible things in life and her legacy will continue on for future generations.
Betty was a beautiful individual, and I was so so lucky to know her. Her legacy lives on, and so does her light. Sending prayers and condolences to her family during this time. May she rest in eternal and sweet peace. ❤️
I instantly cried when I saw your beautiful self under the words “In Loving Memory.” My condolences to your friends and family! Our handful of interactions in high school were always respectful and kind. I love you!
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