Betty Jean Cayson

Tupelo - Betty Jean Summers Cayson, 74, died Tuesday, April 6, 2010, at The Sanctuary Hospice House after an extended illness. A lifelong Lee County native, she was born April 15, 1935 to Charlie Ben and Audrey Love Summers. Earlier in her life, she worked 14 years for Blue Bell Manufacturing and Rockwell Industries but primarily spent her time as a homemaker, taking care of her family and friends. She was a loving wife, mother, grandmother and friend to all who knew her. She participated in Meals on Wheels and was a member of Auburn Homemakers Club, the County Extension, and Altrusa Club where she served in many capacities. Her family remembers her as a wonderful cook, who enjoyed serving others in any way possible. She was a faithful member of Auburn Baptist Church where through the years she taught Sunday School, GA's, and sang in the choir. She was also an active member of the Ladies II Sunday School Class and the "Joy" Club. She cherished the companionship of all her pets and backyard wildlife throughout the years, especially her beloved dog, Peaches. One of her favorite past times was playing Bunco with the girls.

Services will be 3 p.m. Thursday at Auburn Baptist Church with Dr. Bobby Burt, Rev. Bob O'Neal and Rev. Jimmy Henry officiating. Bobbie Holder will deliver the eulogy. Burial will be in Auburn Cemetery. W. E. Pegues Funeral Directors is in charge of the arrangements.

Survivors include one daughter, Jeanne Cayson Meek (Alan) of Saltillo; one son, Mike Cayson (Marie) of Starkville; four grandchildren, Benjamin Cayson (Evelyn) of Southaven, Tyson Meek of Pontotoc, Aaron Meek of Saltillo, and Alexandria Cayson of Tupelo; her daughter-in-law, Donna Coleman of Tupelo; and many close relatives.

She was preceded in death by her parents; her husband of 43 years, B.H. (Red) Cayson, Jr. who died Feb. 9, 1996; her son, Benjamin Phillip Cayson who died July 15, 1995; her brother, Sonny Summers.

Pallbearers will be Tommy Estes, Ben Hardin, Ronny Kimbrough, Terry Miller, Phillip Webb, John Mark Webb.

Honorary Pallbearers will be J.R. Brock, Ralph Capps, Carey Carnathan, Lou Cotham, and Tison Curbow.

Visitation will be 5 to 8 p.m. Wednesday at the funeral home. The body will lie in state one hour prior to service time Thursday at the church.

Memorials may be made to Auburn Baptist Church, 1138 CR 931, Tupelo MS 38804; or Duke University Medical Center, Urology Division, DUMC 3167, Durham, NC 27710