LaMonta Ray Betts was born May 8, 1971 in Cleveland, Ohio. Lamonta received Christ at the early age of eight. He joined Friendship Missionary Baptist Church of St. Petersburg, Florida where his grandmother was a member. After returning to Cleveland with his mother he attended Miles Elementary, St. Paul Revere and Artemus Ward Schools. Monta excelled in music, winning many awards for his singing abilities. He formed a singing group after graduating from JFK in 1989. They recorded one single.

He managed Burger King on Lee and Harvard while attending Allstate Barber College. He dabbled in several professions along the way. He became a home inspector and a corrections officer for the city of Cleveland. He even used his parents’ basement for his barber shop, that kept his mother busy making snacks and Kool-Aid. He always maintained his desire to become the Master Barber that he became!

After opening and closing his first shop on East 93rd Street, he worked at several barber shops in Ohio. He was also a master instructor at the Flawless Barber College on Shaker Square. He was featured on Kickin’ it with Kenny on Channel 8 while employed at The Art of Shaving in Beachwood Mall.

At the time of his passing, he was employed at Meryma’at Barber College and the Owner of PHENOMENAL BARBER SALON. He worked side by side with his daughter and his long-time friend Bamm.

He enjoyed music, fishing, and a good game of cards.

Monta was a beautiful person inside and out with a warm personality and a loving heart. He would proudly tell you that his mom was his best friend.

Monta was proceeded in death by his Grandparents, Mrs. Jessie, and Harold Moore of St. Petersburg Florida; Grandparents Mr. and Mrs. Betts; Uncle Larry Betts and Stepfather Curtis Ellis.

LaMonta leaves to mourn his loving wife Mrs. Michelle Betts; daughters Ashley and Shay; Grandson Brock Betts and granddaughter Brooke Betts; His mother Francina Ellis and father Ali Muhammad of California; mother-in-law Geneva Wade; brother-in-law Joseph Wade; sister-in-law Cecelia O’neal (Anthony); stepsisters Donna Brown Wynn (Nashville); Pam Brown (Vicksburg Miss.).

Eunice Ellis (Kentucky); Tina Ellis (Cleveland); Great Aunt Jeanette Brown (Twinsburg); Uncle Curtis Boyd (California); Special Cousins (Aunts) Tamera Norris, Lenoir Smith, Trenell Bowie and Samatra Scott. Close family friend Rich Harris: Mr. Ollie Cooperwood (One of his first father figures) extended family members Mrs. Ruth Addis and Rev. Nubantu Addis; two cousins he referred to as “more than Cuz” Andre Roscoe (Cheryl); Stanley Reeves