Betty Pender Harper

Betty Pender Harper passed away peacefully at the age of 80 on February 27, 2025, leaving behind a legacy of love, laughter, and joyful memories. She will be dearly missed by all who knew her. 

Her family will receive loved ones on Saturday, March 8, in Kosciusko, Mississippi. Visitation will be from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. at Jordan Funeral Home, followed by a graveside service officiated by Pat Fiedler at Parkway Cemetery. Afterward, Betty’s friends and family are invited to The Carousel House for lunch and fellowship.

Bettie Faye Pender was born on April 18, 1944 in Attala County, Mississippi. As the middle child in a family of seven siblings — five sisters and two brothers — Betty’s childhood was filled with an abundance of adventure and affection. She often spoke fondly of the day when she would be reunited with her parents and brothers in Heaven. 

Betty graduated from Kosciusko High School in 1962. She went on to work various jobs before realizing her true calling in the banking industry in Clinton, Mississippi, where her warm smile and quick wit made her a favorite among locals. Customers of all ages would gladly wait in the longest line just for a chance to visit with her. Betty had a way of making everyone feel like family, a gift she carried with her in all aspects of life. 

Her influence in her local communities extended far beyond banking. Betty volunteered at public schools in Clinton, where she read to students, and was an active member of various women’s clubs in Winchester, Tennessee, including the Garden Club, where her love for flowers and gardening flourished. 

Above all, Betty’s most cherished role was being a mother to her daughters, Angie and Donna. They attribute their love for family traditions, knack for hosting, devotion to loved ones, signature lipstick, and deep sense of unconditional love to her example. Many of their friends lovingly referred to Betty as their “second mother,” as she extended that same kindness, wisdom, and support to all who needed it. 

Another one of Betty’s greatest joys was being an adoring Mimi to her grandchildren, Miles, Morgan, and Loryn. She cheered them on at countless performances and sports games, showered them with hugs and kisses, and offered them unwavering support in each personal and professional venture. Her immeasurable love was felt in every hug, phone call, and moment spent together.

A woman of many talents, Betty was an artist whose oil paintings grace the homes of many family members. She was an exceptional cook, known for her country cookin’ and ability to bring everyone together for a hearty, delicious meal. Betty also had a keen eye for treasures of the past, finding joy in collecting vintage items that made her home a place where family and friends always felt welcome. 

What truly set Betty apart was her one-of-a-kind personality. She had a sharp sense of humor, a gift for storytelling, and a laugh that could brighten any room. She never met a stranger and could turn any casual interaction into a meaningful conversation. 

Her character was rooted in a deep faith in God, which served as the foundation of her life. She held tightly to the hope of Jesus in every circumstance, prayed for her family and friends constantly, and glorified God in every season. 

Although Betty’s physical presence may no longer grace our lives, her spirit will forever live on in the laughter of her family, the meals shared around their tables, and the love she poured into every relationship. Her family takes comfort in knowing that today, she is dancing in Heaven, wearing her favorite blue jeans and high heels and rejoicing in the presence of Jesus. 

Betty is preceded in death by her parents, Faye and Jake Pender, and her brothers, Gerald Pender and Joe Pender. Betty is survived by her daughters, Angie Thomas (Jerry) and Donna O’Neal (Chris), her grandson Miles Thomas, her granddaughters Morgan O’Neal and Loryn O’Neal, her sisters Jane Craft, Jennie Hoover, Bonnie Johnson, and Janice Shields, her sister in law Frances Pender, and many nieces, nephews, great nieces, and great nephews. 

Betty’s family would like to thank the nurses, certified nursing assistants, and staff at Great Oaks Rehabilitation and Nursing Center in Byhalia, Mississippi, who provided her with exceptional care, love, and laughter near the end of her life.

Miles Thomas, Jerry Pender, Pender Johnson, Sam Shields, Chase Dorsey, and Kyle Dorsey will serve as pallbearers. 

Memorial contributions can be made to Attala Historical Society, P.O. Box 127,  in Kosciusko, Mississippi 39090.