A Memorial Service will be held Sunday, April 29, 2012 at 2 p.m. at Corinth Baptist Church in Nicholson, Miss., for Betty Jean Williams Thigpen. She was 83 years old and she passed away Thursday, April 19, 2012 in Picayune. She was born into the family of her parents, Arthur Daniel Williams and Maude Livings Williams in McNeill, Miss. Pastor Sean Walker will officiate at the services and assisted by Mrs. Thigpen’s grandson, Casey Sones.

She was a CNA by profession and worked in New Orleans at Charity Hospital, then later worked at Dr. Howell’s Office here in Picayune. This was where she met her late husband of nearly 44 years. She had a great love for her family and loved to go around and buy fruit and vegetables with her husband and share to family and friends. She cooked them each day even when trying to get around on a walker. She tried to have a positive attitude and a smile on her face. She enjoyed visiting and talking to family and friends.

She was preceded in death by: her husband, World War II Veteran, William L Thigpen Jr., known as Louis Jr.; brothers, Denny Williams and Perry Williams; daughter, Betty Lou Thigpen; and step-son, Vietnam Veteran, Gary E. (Bull) Thigpen.

She is survived by: her daughter, Marion (Oray) Fleming of Picayune; son, Gary McSweeney of Picayune; stepsons, Donnie (Marie) Thigpen of Huntsville, Ala. and Mike (Sybil) Thigpen of Carriere, Miss.; and step-daughters, Becky (John) Fairly of Hattiesburg, Miss. and Elaine (Patrick) Nichelson of Picayune. She has 16 Grandchildren, and numerous great-grandchildren, along with a host of nieces and nephews.

In lieu of flowers, the family request contributions be made to Corinth Baptist Church, P. O. Box 159 Nicholson, MS 39463.

A very special thank you to the entire Staff of Covenant Health and Rehab of Picayune and especially Station One Staff; Highland Community Hospital, staff of Station One, Emergency Room and ICU Staff; Dr. Ahmad Haidar for his compassion and professional care; the entire Staff of the Pharmacy Dept. at Winn Dixie South who helped so much above their job description and always their caring words; Picayune Funeral Home for their help with the burial plans; and Pastor Sean Walker, Deacons, and Members of Corinth Baptist Church for all the prayers, cards, and assistance in this time of need.

Family of Betty Jean Williams Thigpen