Bettye Nevels Dunaway

Bettye Julia Wixson Nevels Dunaway, age 89, of Gulfport, passed away on Friday, August 20, 2021.

She was preceded in death by 2 husbands, Cecil Wayne “Pete” Nevels and Leon Evans Dunaway; a son, Patrick W. Nevels; her parents, Ralph Avon Wixson and Vera Inez Williams Wixson; and 4 siblings, Emily A. Crofford, Billee Avon Wixon, Clifton O. Wixon, and Ronald C. Wixon.

Survivors include 4 children, Vera Lynn Quin (Robert), Margaret Gail Rice (Tom), Karen N. Dysart (Howard), and David K. Nevels (Pam); 2 sisters, Martha I. Perkins (James) and Zola M. Brinkley (David, deceased); 8 grandchildren, Christopher Behrens, Benjamin Sanzin, Brenna Moulin, Jacob Horst, Dallas Dysart, Dusty Dysart, Alyssa Murphy, and Matthew Nevels; 10 great-grandchildren, Cory Behrens, Seth Moulin, Ava Moulin, Kennedy Wilson, Delaney Dysart, McKenzie Dysart, Daelyn Wilkinson, Declan Dysart, Cannon Murphy, and Jedediah Murphy; 1 great-grandchild, Riley Behrens; and many other relatives and friends.

Mrs. Dunaway was a native of Burdette, Arkansas and was a longtime resident of Gulfport.  She attended Arkansas State College and retired as a manager from A & P Grocery in Gulfport.  She was a member of West Gulfport Baptist Church and she enjoyed reading and working puzzles.  Bettye was hard working, humble, and a faithful servant first to God and then to her family.  She endured many difficult times in her long life on earth with fortitude and grace.  Rest in Peace Mama.  We love you and will always hold your memory close.

In lieu of flowers, the family prefers memorials be made to Alzheimer’s Research.

The RIEMANN FAMILY FUNERAL HOME, Gulfport, is serving the family and online condolences may be offered at www.riemannfamily.com