Jesse Walter Betterton

Jesse Walter Betterton age 96, passed away on Wednesday, December 31, 2025, at Baptist Memorial Hospital Oktibbeha County in Starkville, Mississippi. Jesse was born April 21, 1929, to B. C. "Doc" Betterton and Lily May Hollis Betterton. He was a resident of Columbus, Mississippi for sixty-one years and was a retired bus driver for Continental Trailways/Greyhound Bus Lines. After retiring as a bus driver, he drove for CFC Transportation, of Columbus, Mississippi for several years. Mr. Betterton was a veteran of the United States Navy, serving from 1950 - 1954 and a member of Eupora First Baptist Church in Eupora, Mississippi and also was a member of the Masons. Mr. Betterton is survived by his two children, daughter, Cathy (Ronnie) Miller of Caledonia, Mississippi; son, David Betterton, of Columbus, Mississippi; four grandchildren, Angela (Dan) Laird, Jessica (Taylor) Purtell, Jenna Leigh (Joe) Hawkins and Justin (India) Betterton; ten great-grandchildren, Jordan (Sara) Laird, Hunter Laird, C. J. Laird, Jesse Laird, Layla Purtell, Miller Purtell, Noah Purtell, Legion Hawkins, Silas Hawkins, Lyric Hampton and Jasper Betterton; and one great-great grandchild, Adalia Laird. He is preceded in death by his parents, B.C. "Doc" Betterton and Lily May Hollis Betterton; his loving wife, Ruby Fay Watson Betterton; brother, Leon Betterton; sister, Glenda Norwood; grandson, Joshua Graham Betterton; and one great grandchild, Jase Declan Laird. He loved his family and especially enjoyed spending time with his grandchildren and great grandchildren. He enjoyed hunting and fishing and his favorite pastimes at home were reading, whittling and word-working. He was known for his tremendous sense of humor and people enjoyed being around him because he always made them feel welcome and at ease. Graveside Services for Mr. Betterton will be held at 3:00PM on Sunday, January 4, 2026, at Embry Cemetery in Webster County, Mississippi. The family will receive friends and loved ones for a time of visitation on Sunday, January 4, 2026, from 1:30PM until 2:30PM at Oliver Funeral Home in Eupora, Mississippi. Interment will follow at Embry Cemetery next to his wife, Ruby.