Bettye Shores King died peacefully on Saturday, April 10, 2021 at St. Catherine's Village in Madison, Mississippi. She was born in Jackson, Mississippi on December 25, 1931 to Geneva and Horton Shores. Her education was in the public schools of Clinton and Mississippi College where she earned the Bachelor of Arts Degree.

In 1953, Bettye married John Morgan King, Jr. Together they pursued careers in the field of education and later business. She served as a teacher in the public and private schools of Mississippi for 24 years. In 1978 the Hinds County Soil and Water Conservation District named Bettye "Conservation Educator of the Year" for a project she designed and implemented for the third grade students in the natural environment.

In 1991, Bettye was the first female named to the City of Clinton Planning and Zoning Board where she served for 25 years. Bettye also served on the Architectural Review Board for the City.

Bettye was one of the most gifted musicians. Playing the piano beautifully by ear, she brought great joy and happiness to so many. Especially to John during his final years at St. Catherine's Village. Bettye was a member of the Chancel Choir at First Baptist Church of Clinton for over 40 years and was instrumental in the organization of the children's choir program.

Bettye served as a docent at the Old Capitol Museum of Mississippi and was a volunteer guest pianist at the Palette Restaurant adjoining Thalia Mara Hall. She was a member of the Walter Leake Chapter for the Daughters of the American Revolution, Board member and lifetime member of the Clinton Community Nature Center and Le Mellieur & Bridge Club.

Bettye was the love of John's life and she was faithful to the end in caring for his needs. John and Bettye set a beautiful example of marriage, love, friendship, and devotion to each other. For better or worse, she was always right by his side. While Bettye and John knew each other growing up in Clinton, it was not until enrolling at Mississippi College that they became sweethearts. Having assigned seats next to each other in Chapel, John asked Bettye out for their first date to the Owl Café. The couple always said that whoever went to Heaven first, a seat would be saved for the other.

Bettye is survived by two loving daughters, Susan King Leber and husband Jeff of Madison, Mississippi, Laura Ann King Hoffman and husband Chris of Edmond, Oklahoma, five precious grandsons, Brian Leber (Emily), Nicholas Leber (Olivia), Garrett Leber, Corbin Hoffman, Brooks Hoffman and a beautiful great granddaughter Livingston Leber.

Funeral services will be held at 1:30 p.m. on Wednesday, April 14, 2021 with visitation beginning at 12:30 p.m. at First Baptist Church in Clinton. A private family graveside will follow at Clinton Cemetery.

The family extends their most sincere and heartfelt thanks for the genuine care and interest given to our parents during their time at St. Catherine's Village. Memorials may be made in honor and memory of Bettye S. King to St. Catherine's Village, 200 Dominican Drive, Madison, Mississippi.