Betty (Simmons) Morgan

Sara Elizabeth (Betty) Simmons Morgan, a longtime resident of Greenwood, MS, died Wednesday, May 29, 2024 at the age of 99.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Jesse Eugene and Jewell Phillips Simmons; her husband, James Cunningham Morgan, Jr.; her brother, Jesse Eugene Simmons, Jr.; and her daughter, Sara Alice “Sally” Morgan Ratcliff (Charles). She is survived by her children, Jean Morgan Bush (Glen) of Jackson, MS, James Cunningham “Buddy” Morgan, III (Annette) of Morgan City, MS and David Higdon Morgan (Theresa) of Madison, MS.

 She is survived by eight grandchildren: Dr. Charles David Ratcliff (Jessica), Sara Elizabeth Ratcliff Hayes (Hunter), Morgan Elizabeth Bush Scott (Jimmy), Charles Glen Bush, III (Jennifer Sarah “JS”), Mary Annette Morgan Smith (Chris), James Cunningham Morgan, IV (Karlie), David Higdon Morgan, Jr. (Bailey), and Anna Frances Morgan Sims (Brady).

She is also survived by sixteen great-grandchildren: Charles David “Chip” Ratcliff, Sara Alice Ratcliff, Mary Claire Ratcliff, Clifton Davis Ratcliff, Hunter “Hunt” Thomas Hayes, Jr., James Davis Hayes, Jacob Morgan Hayes, Charles Beck Scott, James Morgan Scott, Annette Morgan Smith, Christopher Morgan Smith, Mary Hiram Morgan, Caroline James Morgan, James Cunningham Morgan, V, Sara Frances Sims, and John Thomas Sims.

 She is survived also by her sister, Dorothy Simmons Kimbrough of Ridgeland, MS; nieces, Elaine Kimbrough Gray and Charlotte Kimbrough Barry; and nephew, Allan McCaskill “Mack” Kimbrough, IV, all of Jackson. She leaves behind nieces, Pati Simmons Kelly of Lindenhurst, IL and Jan Simmons of Nashville, TN, and nephew, Jesse Eugene Simmons, III, of Tupelo, MS.

 Betty was a graduate of Greenwood High School, attended MSCW for a year and later graduated from the University of Mississippi in 1942. While at Ole Miss, she was a proud member of Delta Delta Delta Sorority.

 In 1946, following WWII, she met and married the love of her life, a young farmer, James Cunningham Morgan, Jr. They began their fifty-nine year marriage on the family farm, Ridgecrest Plantation, near Morgan City, MS. It was there that they reared their four children and were faithful members of Morgan City Presbyterian Church. In the 1960's, the family moved to Greenwood where they became charter members of Westminster Presbyterian Church. Betty and James both enjoyed cooking and entertaining, and their home and backyard pool quickly became the hub of many large family, neighborhood and church gatherings.

 Betty was constantly involved in her children and grandchildren's activities. She was active in her church, Explorer's Bible Study, Delta Cotton Wives, the Greenwood Junior Auxiliary and various tennis teams. After James' death in 2006, Betty's focus expanded to include more tennis, aerobics, and bridge, which she continued to enjoy well into her eighties.

 She was truly a Proverbs 31 woman and best described by the following verses:

 "Her children arise and call her blessed;

her husband also, and he praises her.

 Many women do noble things, but you surpass them all.

 Charm is deceptive, and beauty is fleeting.

But a woman who fears the Lord is to be praised.” Proverbs 31:28-30

 The family would like to thank her loving caregiver, Leona Thomas, the staff at Indywood Glen Personal Care Home and Dr. Charles Nause.

Visitation will be held Saturday, June 1 at 1:00 p.m. at Greenwood Delt a Fune r a l Home, 1008 Sgt. John Pittman Drive, Greenwood, MS. The memorial service will begin at 2:00 p.m. on Saturday with the Reverend Dr. D. Charles Frost officiating. Following the service, burial will take place at Evergreen Cemetery, Carrollton, MS.

Pallbearers are David Ratcliff, Charles Bush, David Morgan, Jr., James Morgan, IV, Chris Smith, Jimmy Scott, Hunter Hayes and Brady Sims.

 Memorials may be made to Reformed Theological Seminary, 4268 I55 North, Jackson, MS 39211 or French Camp Academy, One Fine Place, French Camp, MS 39745-9939.

Greenwood Delta Funeral Home (www.greenwooddeltafh.com) is in charge of arrangements.

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