Betty Jo Stone

Betty Jo Stone passed away on Wednesday, November 2, 2022, at the age of 94.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Walter Stone; her son, James K. “Jim” Burrus; her granddaughter-in-law, Katie Caudill; her parents, Aaron and Daphene Coffman; and her first husband, James E. “Red” Burrus.

Betty is survived by her children, Aaron Burrus, Janice Caudill (Archie), and Ronald Burrus (Michele); her grandchildren, Joshua Caudill, Crystal Caudill Purvis (Will), Christopher Burrus, Amanda Burrus Yoran (Joseph), Rachel Burrus O’Brien (Dustin) and 15 other grandchildren; and 3 great grandchildren.

Her family moved from Piqua, Ohio to Gulfport when she was in her teens.  She was a graduate of Gulfport High School, Class of 1946.  For many years right into her 80’s, she and her classmates met monthly for lunch at one of the local restaurants.

Betty worked as a bookkeeper and tax preparer.  At a time when not many women worked outside the home, she worked, at times, two jobs to support her family.  Nonetheless, she made time for her children.  Sometimes on the pier “out front” fishing and crabbing, and oftentimes at the Long Beach ballfields watching her son play baseball.

She was an expert seamstress and tailor and was master of all things crafted with needle and thread; crochet, cross-stitch, needlepoint, and knitting.  Her creations were not for sale but for love as her family has been recipients of the creations.

Betty volunteered her tax preparing skills to AARP for many years after she retired.  Though she didn’t sell the items she made, she did create dolls and stuffed animals to donate to children of prisoners.

She and her late husband, Walter, traveled extensively.  They flew to England and Poland, where family members were located.  They also went on several cruises both on the ocean and on the Mississippi River.

Betty definitely made the most of her long life.  She was loved and we miss her dearly.

Her life will be honored at a small family gathering at the Diamondhead Community Church, where she and Walter attended for many years.

Riemann Family Funeral Home, Long Beach, is serving the family.