Bettye W. Bowlin, 89, passed away on Monday, March 30, 2020 at her home surrounded by her family.

Born in Vicksburg on September 1, 1930, Bettye was the oldest child of the late Letha P. Willoughby and Charles L. Willoughby.  She is preceded in death by her husband Hiram B. Bowlin and a brother, Charles Richard Willoughby.

Bettye attended the Gilfoy School of Nursing at Mississippi Baptist Medical Center and graduated as a Registered Nurse in 1951.  During school, she loved Surgery and had the opportunity to work with outstanding physicians.  Following graduation, she began her nursing career as the Operating Room Supervisor at Vicksburg Hospital from 1951 – 1954.  Shortly thereafter she completed a 24 month preceptorship program in Anesthesia at the Vicksburg Infirmary and transitioned into the role of a Registered Nurse Anesthetist.  She worked there   until it closed in 1967.  She continued working as a Registered Nurse Anesthetist at Mercy Hospital and Vicksburg Medical Center until her retirement in 1990.

Bettye was a devoted wife, mother, sister, and daughter.  Her passion was her family, her patients, her friends, and helping others.  She was a great cook, had a quick wit, loved animals, and had an undying faith in the LORD and his works.

She is survived by a son, Ric Bowlin (Denise); daughter, Roselynn Middleton; brother, Jack P. Willoughby (Michelle); sister, Madalynn Blackburn; grandson, Matthew Middleton (Samantha) and numerous nieces and nephews.

Pallbearers will be family members.

Honorary Pallbearers:  Dr. Thomas Sligh, Dana, Dr. Christina Barlow, the staff of Amedysis Home Health, the staff of St. Joseph Hospice (Lindsey, Reed, Jeanine, CeCe), and the staff of 1 North at Mississippi Baptist Medical Center.

A heartfelt thank- you goes to her extended family – her very special friends and caregivers Mary Brown, Melbra Brown, Faye Daniels, Lillian Martin, Ann Phillipson, and Tamara Wallace who gave selflessly to ensure she received the best care.

A private service in her honor will be held on Thursday, April 2, 2020 at Greenlawn Gardens Cemetery in  Vicksburg under the direction of Fisher-Riles Funeral Home.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorials may be made to the ASPCA, Samaritan's Purse, or the Christian Broadcasting Network.