Bettye Jean Cooper Kelly: 1946-2025

VICKSBURG, Miss. — It is with deep love and sorrow that we announce the passing of Bettye Jean Cooper Kelly, 78, of Vicksburg, Miss., who left us on August 9, 2025. Born on August 29, 1946 in Memphis, TN, Bettye lived a life full of love, kindness, and devotion to her family, friends, and students. She was known for her love for her grandchildren and many years of dedication to her students throughout her teaching career.

She married Wilsey Kelly on November 29, 1968, and together they shared 57 wonderful years of marriage. Bettye was the mother of Holly Kelly and India Wooten, and the beloved grandmother of Logan Surber, Mary Makenna Wooten, Wil Wooten, and John Carter Wooten. Her family was the center of her world and she created a home filled with lots of love and celebrations.

Outside of family, Bettye found joy in teaching. Her many years of teaching began in Tallulah, LA, and from there she went on to teach at Magnolia Academy, Central Hinds Academy, Saint Aloysius Catholic School, and Hinds Community College. She touched the lives of so many students, several of whom she kept in contact with long after they graduated.

She is survived by Wilsey S. Kelly (husband), daughters, Holly Kelly(Chad Surber) of Oxford ,MS, India Wooten(Buddy Wooten) of Bovina, MS, grandchildren Logan Surber of Oxford MS, Mary Makenna Wooten, Wil Wooten, and John Carter Wooten of Bovina, MS.

She was preceded in death by her parents J.P. and Mary Louise Cooper, Jo Ann Gower (sister), and brothers Jim Cooper and John Cooper.

Her legacy of love, strength and compassion will live on in all who knew her. A celebration of Bettye’s life will be held by the family at a private memorial service. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made to:

Micah’s Mission
900 Crawford Street
Vicksburg, MS 39180

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