Betty DeRamus, Tributes Pour in for Detroit News Columnist Who Died at 84.
The city of Detroit and the journalism world are mourning the loss of Betty DeRamus, a celebrated columnist, author, and mentor, who passed away early Friday at the age of 84 after a long illness. Though not born in Detroit, as her friend and former Free Press columnist Susan Watson once wrote, “She wasn’t born in Detroit, but her soul was.”
DeRamus had an extraordinary career spanning decades, leaving an indelible mark on journalism and the city she loved. She was a columnist for The Detroit News from 1987 to 2006 and authored two acclaimed books about the Underground Railroad. Before that, she worked at the Detroit Free Press (1972–1987) and as a reporter for the Associated Press and the Michigan Chronicle. Her work earned her widespread respect and recognition, including a Pulitzer Prize finalist nomination for commentary in 1993, a Deems Taylor Award for a profile on Roberta Flack, and induction into the Michigan Journalism Hall of Fame in 2015.
Colleagues remember her as brilliant, creative, and fearless. Kim Trent, a former Detroit News colleague, said, “She was an Afrofuturist before it was cool. Her brain is like no one else’s. She is without a doubt one of the smartest, most creative people I’ve ever known.” Gary Miles, editor and publisher of The Detroit News, added, “Betty’s understanding of people and the power of words made her an editor’s dream. She captured the essence of a moment or situation the way few writers can. We’re poorer for her loss.”
Betty had a passion for history, particularly Black history, and her storytelling brought to life the courage, ingenuity, and struggles of those who sought freedom. Her 2000 Detroit News series, “Untold Stories of the Underground Railroad,” earned a Michigan Press Association award and inspired her books, Forbidden Fruit: Love Stories from the Underground Railroad (2005) and Freedom by Any Means: True Stories of Cunning and Courage on the Underground Railroad (2009). Her work combined thorough reporting with vivid narrative, capturing readers’ imaginations while educating them about pivotal moments in history.
Friends and colleagues also remember her warmth and mentorship. She inspired countless young journalists, especially women of color, encouraging them to follow their passions. Denise Crittendon, a longtime friend, described Betty as a role model who became like family, traveling together and sharing holidays, all while nurturing others’ curiosity and ambition.
Born in Tuscaloosa, Alabama, in 1941, Betty moved to Detroit as a child. Her early love for reading and writing was nurtured by her parents, and she went on to study journalism at Wayne State University, later earning a master’s in English. Betty once said, “I went into journalism to be ornery. So, I defied expectations,” reflecting the courage and independence that defined her life.
Betty DeRamus leaves behind a legacy of insightful writing, fearless reporting, and mentorship. Her voice captured the spirit of Detroit and the resilience of its people, and she will be remembered as one of the city’s brightest storytellers.
