It is with heavy hearts and profound gratitude for a life well-lived that we announce the peaceful passing of Betty Jane Adams, who left us on June 6, 2026, at the age of 87. Betty departed this world as she had lived her life, surrounded by love, at her home in Oxford, Mississippi.
Born on August 17, 1938, in the community of Boyt’s Crossing, Mississippi, Betty was the cherished daughter of Ruth Riley Adams and Everett Louis Adams. She was preceded in death by her beloved parents, her five siblings, and her son, Richard, whom she held close in her heart every day.
Betty’s journey through life was marked by compassion, dedication, and service. A proud graduate of Clara High School in Clara, Mississippi, she pursued her passion for nursing at the University of Mississippi, where she earned her Bachelor of Science in Nursing. Her quest for knowledge and excellence led her to Louisiana State University, where she achieved her master’s degree in nursing administration.
Throughout her esteemed career, Betty dedicated her talents and kindness to the care of others. She served as a nurse at the Veterans Administration in Jackson, Mississippi, and at several renowned medical institutions in New Orleans, including as an instructor at Touro Infirmary School of Nursing, and nursing administrator at Hotel Dieu Hospital, University Hospital and Charity Hospital, now University Medical Center New Orleans.
Her commitment extended beyond her direct care as she actively participated in the board for Children and Youth with Special Health Care Needs for the state of Mississippi. Her leadership and passion also shone as a past president of the Alumni Association of the Ole Miss Nursing School.
Betty was not only a pillar in her professional endeavors but also a beloved member of her community. She helped found Mini Parks in Jackson and McComb, Mississippi, giving children a place and organizational support for uplifting outdoor activities during the summer months. She was a Lifetime Member of the Junior Auxiliary in McComb.
In her personal life, Betty found joy in the simple pleasures. An avid tennis player and fan, she eagerly anticipated each major tournament with enthusiasm. Betty enjoyed football season and rooted for the Saints and Ole Miss without fail. Her love for political discourse and wide-ranging reading enriched her conversations and friendships. In her later years, she enjoyed watching birds visit her feeders, a testament to her ability to find beauty in the everyday.
Betty’s warmth and genuine kindness left an indelible mark on everyone she met. Her gift for making people feel comfortable and accepted was matched only by the radiant smile that seemed to come straight from her heart.
Betty is survived by her loving daughter, Barbara Lowe and her husband Jon Moen, and her devoted son, James Lowe and his wife Emma. Her legacy lives on through her six cherished grandchildren: Andrew, Jared, Joshua, and Hannah Lowe; Elijah and Rebekah Moen; and through her extended family, Anna Kate (Moen) and Brian Modisett and their children, Jackson, Emma and Claire: all were a constant source of pride and joy in her life.
The family wishes to extend their heartfelt gratitude to her dedicated caregivers, Karen Cassada and Veda Wrenn, whose care and companionship meant the world to Betty in her final years. In earlier years, Armanella McKnight provided friendship, support and housekeeping in McComb.
In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests that donations be made in Betty’s name to the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation, https://cff.org/donate or to a charity of your choice, reflecting her lifelong commitment to helping others.
