Betty Jean (Wortham) McEwen

Betty Jean Wortham entered the world on April 16, 1936, to the late Earl and Samella Armstrong Wortham in Lafayette County, MS.

She professed her faith in Christ at an early age and joined Second Missionary Baptist Church. She faithfully served on the Usher Board and was also, faithfully involved in the Senior Plus Ministry until her health begin to decline.

Betty Jean (Wortham) McEwen was the first African American hired at Chambers, which would later be named Whirlpool. She faithfully remained there for 32 years before her retirement. After retirement, she would go on to work with the Foster Grandparent’s volunteer program at the Regional Center, until the Covid pandemic began. She was also a much-loved cashier of Dollar General for 10 years.

“Nan”, “Nanny”, or “Ms. Betty” as she was so affectionately called, loved living life. She was so full of life and so funny. She would have you laughing for hours. She loved her quartet programs, cooking, traveling, and spending time with precious loved ones. She was a huge supporter, as her mother was, of the Christian Crusaders. She was also a huge supporter of The Love Sisters as well.

Betty loved to dress up and WEAR HER CHURCH HATS!!!! Though she gave birth to only three daughters, she mothered many children.

On March 10, 2023, while at her granddaughter’s home and surrounded by her loving family, she received her call from the Lord saying, Well done, thy good and faithful servant! Thou has been faithful over a few things; I will make thee ruler over many things! Enter thou, into the joy of thy Lord. (Matthew 25:23)

She leaves to cherish her memories, her children: Beverly Martin, Cherlyn “Cooky” McEwen, and Rebecca (Ira) McEwen, all of Oxford, MS. Her grandchildren: Marie (Gerry) Pomerlee, David Baskin, Baradras Martin, Tineshe Kee, Ge’Varick McEwen, KaJavia McEwen all of Oxford, MS, and Ebony McEwen of Southaven, MS. A special niece whom she helped to rear, Debra (TC) Mathis; 12 great-grandchildren; 3 great-great grandchildren; the son she never had, Dino Johnson; and a host of nieces, nephews and other family members.

She was preceded in death by her parents and all her siblings.