Betty Louis Whaley Dickerson

Betty Louis Whaley Dickerson, 74, formerly of Potts Camp, Mississippi, passed away peacefully on September 25, 2025, surrounded by family at Baptist Memorial Hospital in Oxford, MS. Born on March 5, 1951 to the late Louis Edmond and Ocie Odell Johnson Whaley, Betty lived a life of unwavering faith, strength, and devotion, embodying the virtues of Proverbs 31:10-31 as a virtuous wife, mother, and servant of God.

Funeral services for Betty will be held at 2:00 p.m. at Batesville Church of Christ on Saturday, October 4, 2025 with the family receiving friends beginning at 1:00. Interment will follow the service at Forrest Memorial Park in Batesville. 

A proud graduate of Potts Camp High School, class of 1969, Betty pursued further education at Draughon Business College in Memphis, Tennessee. She began her career at the Mississippi Highway Department, where she met her future husband, Jim Dickerson. The couple married on December 5, 1975, and shared nearly 50 years of love and partnership. After prayerful consideration, the decision was made for Betty to work from home, rearing their children and managing B &J Angus Farm, their family business, with determination and grace.

Betty was a devoted mother to her two children, J.Q. Dickerson (Tabitha) and Jennifer Dickerson Griffin (Brian), both of whom she raised with Christian values and who, in turn, married fellow Christians. Her greatest joy was her five grandchildren-Quinn, Qualls, Mary Jayne, Wyatt, and Addie-whom she cherished deeply and nurtured with boundless love.

A pillar of her community, Betty was actively involved in the PTA and Band Boosters at South Panola Schools, supporting her children's education and activities. She also served with distinction as District First Lady of the Exchange Club in Batesville, Mississippi, where her leadership and commitment to community service inspired many. Her faith shone brightly at the Batesville church of Christ, where she was a fruitful member for decades. Betty taught classes, encouraged countless members, and served in the benevolence program for over 20 years, touching lives with her compassion and generosity. She also served as a counselor at Sardis Lake Christian Camp, stepping in as camp nurse one year when the need arose, demonstrating her selflessness and adaptability.

Together with Jim and other couples, Betty provided leadership and planning for the youth of their congregation, organizing trips to South Panola football games and Christian universities to inspire and guide the next generation. Her strong-willed and determined spirit made her a role model, and she remained a steadfast presence at church functions until her health prevented her attendance.

Betty's legacy is one of faith, love, and service, leaving an indelible mark on her family, church, and community. Her presence of kindness, compassion and encouragement will certainly be missed by her family, her spiritual family, and the community. She is survived by her beloved husband, Jim; her children, J.Q. (Tabitha) and Jennifer (Brian); her grandchildren, Quinn, Qualls, Mary Jayne, Wyatt, and Addie; and a wide circle of extended family and friends who will forever cherish her memory.

The family would like to thank Dr. Elshawwaf, MD of Baptist Memorial Hospital of Oxford and Hayley Grace, RN of Gentiva Hospice for their excellent care. 

In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to the Batesville Church of Christ (P.O. Box 349, Batesville) or Sardis Lake Christian Camp (P.O. Box 108, Batesville).