Jean Beggs

Tupelo—Bobbie “Jean” Nanney Beggs, age 90, went home to be with the Lord on Sunday, February 9, 2025, at the Oxford Health and Rehab Center. She was born November 23, 1934, in the Unity Community of Lee County to Clytee Horton Nanney and Lawrence Nanney. She was a 1952 graduate of Tupelo High School. Jean worked at Murdock Acceptance Corp for 13 years and joined GMAC in Columbus and Tupelo, retiring after 22 years. She then joined BancorpSouth part time, retiring again after 18 years of service. 

Jean and her husband, Robert, lived in Columbus for 14 years before returning to their hometown of Tupelo. While in Columbus, Jean was an active member of Fairview Baptist Church, served as chairperson for Reach to Recovery, and was a member of the Pilot Club.

Back in Tupelo, Jean and Robert were dedicated members of East Heights Baptist Church, serving on several committees, teaching Sunday School, and singing in the choir. She also volunteered at Sanctuary Hospice and Salvation Army.

After the death of husband, she became a member of Harrisburg Baptist Church where she taught Sunday School for many years until she began to lose her eyesight.

Jean loved to cook and entertain friends; but most of all, she loved the Lord with all her heart, soul, mind, and strength. She was a strong prayer warrior and when asked to pray about a need in one’s life, she always responded immediately.

Jean is survived by her children, Deborah Martin (Bud) of Oxford and Richard A. Smith (Susan) of Greenwood; grandchildren, Erica Cummings Culpepper (Jay) of Greenwood, Laura Martin Ables (Marty) of Sallis, Adrian Smith Tate (Ethan) of Grenada, and Austin Smith (Maggie) of Memphis, Tennessee; and great-grandchildren, Hailey Culpepper, Jay Culpepper, Owen Culpepper, Nora Smith, and Winnie Smith; and two sisters, Christine Nanney Kelley and Peggy Nanney Wright (Jim).

She was preceded in death by her husband, Robert H. Beggs; her parents, Lawrence and Clytee Nanney; grandchild, Evans Smith.

Visitation will be 10 until 11 a.m. Thursday, February 13, 2025, at Harrisburg Baptist Church. 

Services celebrating Jean’s life will be 11 a.m. Thursday at the church with Rev. Tommy Winders and Pastor Rob Armstrong officiating. Music will be provided by Randy McCoy and Jason Brown. Graveside services will follow at Lee Memorial Park. Pegues Funeral Directors has been entrusted with the arrangements.

Pallbearers will be Lee Kelley, Terry Kelley, Ed Wright, Larry Wright, Michael Wright, Jay Culpepper, Ethan Tate, Austin Smith, and Marty Ables.

Honorary pallbearers will be Bob Gahan, Buddy Palmer, Taylor Thomas, Danny McGee, Danny Riley, Merle Pennington, and Jerry King.

Expressions of sympathy and fond memories may be shared at PeguesFuneralHome.com.