Bettie Faye Toombs

Bettie Faye Burton Toombs, affectionately known as "Miss Bettie" by her family and friends, passed away on Monday, January 13, 2025, at the age of 80.  She was born to A.W. and Willie Burton in 1944 in Philadelphia, Neshoba County, Mississippi. As the daughter of a sharecropper, she spent her early years working in the cotton fields alongside her cherished brother, Arvin, cultivating a work ethic that would shape her entire life.

Miss Bettie dedicated many years to being a devoted homemaker, simultaneously embracing roles such as church youth leader, Vacation Bible School director, Girl Scout Cookie chairman, active Navy Wives Club member, and community theatre costumer. Her tireless dedication to these activities laid the foundation for a remarkable career. After her loving and devoted husband Jon retired from his Navy service and embarked on a full-time college journey, Miss Bettie transitioned into the workforce, joining Hancock Bank to help support the family.

Her life was a testament to unwavering support for her family, consistently uplifting them through high school band, theatre activities, pageants, academic pursuits, piano lessons, church activities, dance performances, and more. She had a unique ability to lift spirits, whether through a well-timed joke or a midnight batch of biscuits and tomato gravy.

Miss Bettie cherished traveling with Jon, and together they visited all 50 states. They often took their children and grandchildren on memorable camping trips and vacations. Through their adventures, they fostered a deep love for travel in their family, imparting an appreciation for exploring new horizons and cultures. 

In the 1970s, a family preacher affectionately dubbed her "Ready Bettie” in recognition of her steadfast readiness to serve God and her church community. Miss Bettie was always prepared with a helping hand and a kind word, exemplifying grace and resilience through numerous health challenges. Her enduring faith and readiness to embrace God's plan were among her most admirable qualities. Ready Bettie was indeed ready to meet Jesus.

Miss Bettie has now joined her beloved parents, dear brother, and her Lord in heaven. She leaves behind a legacy of love, strength, and unwavering faith. Miss Bettie was preceded in death by her parents; her brother, Arvin Burton; and her nephew, Vaughn Jones. She is survived by her beloved husband of 60 years, Jon Toombs; her daughters, Teresa Johnson and LeAnne Womble-Reilly; her grandchildren, Taylor Warden, Jovi Womble, and Lennon Womble; her sons-in-law, Buddy Johnson and Sean Reilly; her grandson-in-law, Brandon Warden; her sister, Sherry LeBlanc, and her nephews, Shawn Jones and Alan Jones.

In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests contributions in Miss Bettie's memory to the Gideons. Check or money order can be mailed to International Fellowship of Christians and Jews, P.O. Box 96105, Washington, DC 20090-6105.

Friends are invited to join the family for the visitation and the service that will be held on Saturday, January 25, 2025, at New Hope Baptist Church, 17430 Landon Road, Gulfport, MS 39503.  The Visitation will be from 10:00 to 11:00 a.m., with the Funeral Service to follow at 11:00 a.m.

On Monday, January 27, 2025, the funeral procession will depart at 11:45 a.m. from Riemann Family Funeral Home, 11280 Three Rivers Road, Gulfport, MS, going to Biloxi National Cemetery for a 12:30 p.m. Committal Service.

Please sign the online guestbook and share memories at www.riemannfamily.com