Bettye Hamill Vickers

Bettye Hamill Vickers was born May 22, 1941, to Margaret and Oakley Hamill at their small country house on Raymond Williams Road on a sunny day in early spring. She attended elementary school in Louisville and high school in Starkville. Bettye graduated from Starkville High School in 1959, then attended Mississippi State University where she received her B.S., Masters, and doctoral degrees in education and administration. Bettye enjoyed educating children for nearly 40 years.

Her career path allowed her to teach children in Picayune, Macon, Starkville, Columbus, and Greenville. Bettye’s education and experience made it possible for her to become a school administrator. Bettye began her administration career in Jackson Public Schools as a principal. She then followed opportunities as a principal in Dallas, Texas, and Hartselle, Alabama. She was proud to have been awarded “Principal of the Year” for Jackson Public Schools and receive our nation’s “Blue Ribbon School of Excellence” for her school in Wiley, Texas. She was recognized by President Bill Clinton at the White House. She then moved back to Winston County to serve as Head of School for Diamond Grove Psychiatric Hospital for Children and Adolescents in Louisville.

After retirement, Bettye enjoyed being close to her family and traveling to Scotland, Italy, Greece, and France. Her favorite cruise was in Alaska where she enjoyed the beautiful landscapes.

Throughout her life, Bettye’s family home on her family farm was her forever home. She enjoyed her family and friends visiting her there and at her condominium on the Ross Barnett Reservoir in Jackson, Mississippi.

She once said her motto of life was captured in two songs, “Don’t Worry, Be Happy” and “Come hell or high water, I am going to enjoy life till I die.”

Bettye passed away peacefully with her son by her side at her family home on Raymond Williams Road on a sunny day in late summer. Graveside services and interment will be Saturday, August 30 at 11 a.m. at Bevill Hill Cemetery with Bro. Robert Mayfield officiating.

Bettye is survived by her son, Ron Vickers and daughter-in-law, Lisa of the Pugh’s Mill Community; and her granddaughter, Claire Vickers Adam and husband, Gage, of Huntsville, Alabama. Bettye was preceded in death by her parents.

Serving as pallbearers are Gage Adam, Steven Denson, Jack Haynes, Jim Lofton, Kyle Jackson, and Doug Shaw. Memorials in honor of Bettye may be given to Bevill Hill Cemetery Fund, c/o Jeanette Mills, 1747 Betheden Road, Louisville, MS 39339.