West Point, Ms – Betty A. Burges Criddle, 82, passed away on September 4, 2021 at her residence in West Point. She was born July 22, 1939 in Webster County to Willie Belle Gore and John Allen Burges. She was a Switchboard operator at Bryan Foods for 15 years and was a member of the Church of Christ. Betty married James Forest Criddle on February 21, 1960 in the Dancy Community. He preceded her in death on May 16, 1985.
The following is a eulogy written by her daughter Ellen:
“Mothers never die; God needed another Angel…. My Dad is smiling today, the love of his life has joined him, Nana is smiling. My mother was the kindest, most generous and loving soul that I will ever know. She loved life and loved us all unconditionally and we are better people for being loved by her. A mother’s love is forever. It will nurture you from deep within the soul, even when she is gone. Losing her is losing is the only person who always understood the things you never said.”
A memorial service will be held at a later date. Calvert Funeral Home of West Point is honored to be entrusted with the arrangements.
Survivors include one daughter, Ellen Turner (Brian) of West Point, MS, one son, Jay Criddle (Andrea) of Flora, 4 grandchildren; Victoria McElhenney (Hank), Lexi Nolan,
Colby Criddle, Carli Grace Criddle, 2 great grandchildren; Tyler Nolan and AnnElyse McElhenney and one sister; Edna Jean Coleman. Preceding her in death were her parents, one sister; Ella Pearl Pate, four brothers; Bo, Hubert, Charles and Willis Albert Burges and one grandson; Tyler Forest Nolan.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in memory of Betty Criddle to: Batson Children’s Hospital at the University of Mississippi Medical Center, 2500 North State Street, Jackson, MS 39216 or made online at umc.edu/givenow.
Friends may leave an online condolence at www.calvertfuneralhome.com
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Calvert Funeral Home
P.O. Box 77
West Point, MS 39773
