Betty Jane Parks Gary

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Mrs. Betty Jane Parks Gary, 90, of Oxford, Mississippi, passed away peacefully on January 22, 2024. Betty Jane was born on October 23, 1933, to David Cypert and Mary Ann Gordon Parks in Fort Smith, Arkansas. She graduated from Sherman High School in Sherman, Mississippi. She attended and graduated from the University of Mississippi with a degree in Home Economics and a Masters of Elementary Education. She was a member of Kappa Kappa Gamma Sorority and an Ole Miss Rebelette. While at Ole Miss, she met her husband, Knox Gary, and they were married for 33 years until his death in 1987.

Betty Jane taught in elementary schools around the world and was a University of Mississippi professor in the School of Education for over 25 years. She was a member of Agape Sunday school class at First Baptist Church of Oxford.

In addition to her parents and husband, Betty Jane was preceded in death by her son-on-law, Mike Graham.

Betty Jane is survived by her three daughters, Melissa Langford (David) of Atlanta, GA, Lindy Graham of Oxford, MS and Mary Ann Walsh (Brad) of Oxford, MS; seven grandchildren, Knox Graham (Hannah) of Madison, MS, Kyle Graham (Huong) of Corinth, MS, Parks Graham (Elizabeth) of Oxford, MS, Mary Allen Langford of Atlanta, GA, David Knox Langford (Caroline) of Memphis, TN, Noel Walsh of Oxford, MS and Jane Cypert Walsh of Nashville, TN; and one great grand-daughter, Maddie James Graham. She will be greatly missed by all.

The family wishes to extend a special thank you to our caregivers, Shelia Draper, Carol McGuire and Vernita Phillips.

The visitation will be held in West Hall at Waller Funeral Home on Thursday, January 25, 2024, from 11:30 A.M. until 1:00 P.M. A private graveside service will be held at Oxford Memorial Cemetery.

Expressions of sympathy or memorial contributions in Betty Jane’s memory to Hattie Mae Edmonds Gallery at the University Museums at the University of Mississippi, 406 University Avenue, Oxford, MS 38655.