Mary Elizabeth “Betty” Stevens Turnipseed, 76, of Carrollton, passed away peacefully at her home on Nov. 30, 2023. Services were held at the Carrollton Baptist Church on Sunday,
Dec. 3, with visitation starting at one o'clock and the service (commencing) at 3 p.m. Officiant was the Rev. Duane Jensen, former pastor and friend of the deceased.
Betty was born in Carrollton on Aug. 26, 1947, to Mary Ida and Joe Stevens. The youngest child, and the only girl, Betty knew an idyllic life in a household and community where she was deeply loved and somewhat pampered. Her church, North Carrollton United Methodist Church, meant much to her as well. And it was there, in 1967, that she married her high school sweetheart, Alton Turnipseed, with whom she celebrated a 56th anniversary in 2023.
A graduate of J.Z. George High School, Betty knew from an early age that she would follow her mother’s footsteps as an educator. Thus, she attended and graduated from Delta State University and began her teaching career in Greenville, MS. Later, she taught in Olive Branch. Then, in 1977, she accepted a position at Carroll Academy as a fifth-grade teacher. In her 25 years there, she impacted the lives of many children, teaching them not only the principles of math, the beauty of language, the art of writing, the necessity of knowing history, and the joy of scientific discovery, but also the skills of respecting other people, working with diligence and perseverance, and approaching each day with a smile and a song. Most of all, she demonstrated in word and example a faith in God and a necessity to have a relationship with Him.
When Betty and Alton returned to Carrollton, they became members of Carrollton Baptist Church, where she served diligently as a Sunday School and church training leader, a Vacation Bible School teacher, a member of the choir, and a volunteer on many committees. She was also a member of the Third Arrow (Chapter) of the Daughters of the American Revolution and served in several official positions through the years. Her interests included playing bridge with friends, enjoying a supper club group, spending long summer weeks at the beach, and following all her children and grandchildren in their various academic and sports endeavors.
Survivors include, her husband, Alton Turnipseed; a son, Jeff Turnipseed and his wife, Lea of Ridgeland; two daughters, Jeni Adams of Madison, and Amy Swayze and her husband Allen of Madison; grandchildren, Tyler Turnipseed, Sarah Turnipseed, Avery Adams, Grayson Adams, Logan Adams, and Liza Cate Swayze; and a host of nieces and nephews.
Betty was proceeded in death by her parents, and her brothers, Jody Stevens and Buck Stevens.
Pallbearers were James Cullen, Ric Perkins, Lee Stevens, Brent Turnipseed, Chris Turnipseed, and Dale Turnipseed.
Memorials may be made to Carrollton Baptist Church, P.O. Box 5, Carrollton, MS 38917, Evergreen Cemetery, P.O. Box 425, North Carrollton, MS. 38947, or a charity of the donor's choice.
Wilson and Knight Funeral Home were in charge.
Online guestbook may be signed at www.wilsonandknight.com
