Betty Jo Hopson Dulaney

Betty Jo Hopson Dulaney died peacefully at home in Tunica, Mississippi, on January 18, 2023. She was surrounded by her devoted husband of more than 64 years, William Proby Dulaney, Sr. (William), and various family members.

She was born in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania on May 15, 1939, to Nellie Elizabeth Hopson, and Joseph Schramm, her biological father. Joseph Schramm was killed in World War II.

Her mother remarried and thereafter, Claude Thomas Hopson, adopted and raised her as his own. Growing up as a child of a career naval officer resulted in Betty Jo living all over the world, including spending several of her formative years in Guam.

These experiences helped shape her life and created a loving, caring young woman with a desire to help others and serve the less fortunate. Betty Jo graduated from The Philadelphia High School for Girls. She later attended University of Tennessee for a short period of time. She married William on August 9, 1958. After the wedding, she moved to Tunica, Mississippi, and was a lifelong resident.

She continued her education and graduated with honors from the University of Memphis. Betty Jo lived a life of service. First and foremost, she led a life of service to Christ, and a very close second, she led a life of service and devotion to her family. She epitomizes a life led in service to others. She was a doer and a participant, rarely ever a spectator – which was a source of embarrassment at time for her children when they were younger, but later became a source of pride and gratitude.

Her civic service includes numerous clubs and organizations. She was a lifelong member of the Episcopal Church (Church of the Epiphany). As part of her Church service and life, she was an active member of the Episcopal Church Women including serving as President of the State of Mississippi. Through this, Betty Jo participated in many domestic as well as international mission trips.

She was a longtime member of the Tunica Women’s Club. She was instrumental in its success and being able to grant annual scholarships to many young women of Tunica County.

Her service in the local Woman’s Club led to her providing leadership to the organization on the state and national level. Betty Jo served as President of the GFWC-Mississippi Federation of Women’s Clubs, Inc. from 1982-1984. There she successfully lobbied for many important state-wide initiatives. She was recognized for her accomplishments including having lunch at the White House with Nancy Reagan.

After her children were grown, she became interested in adult literacy. She was the moving force behind the formation and successful operation of the Tunica County Literary Council, Inc.

She served as its director for almost 20 years. The program expanded to provide daycare as she realized the lack of childcare was an obstacle for adults to learn and further their education.

Again, her accomplishments and the success of her program were recognized on state and national levels including being named the 2011 Humanitarian of the Year by the MS Head Start Program. As part of her commitment to education, she served as an elected member of the Tunica County School Board. She worked tirelessly to improve the education system for the entire community.

She joined the Rotary Club of Robinsonville as one of its founding members. Like the other organizations she participated in, she gave it her all. Her leadership was recognized, and it was not long before she was Rotary District 6800 Governor. After her term expired, she continued to serve through Rotary including traveling to and administering polio vaccines in Nigeria. She is a Paul Harris Fellow.

Betty Jo served on the Board of Directors of the Northwest Mississippi CommunityFoundation,Inc.

As part of her lifelong dedication to education, she established a permanent fund to support education for children in Mississippi. Betty Jo was named the Margaret Maddox Woman of the Year in 2014.

She is survived by her husband of 64 years, William, and her six children, Peter Hopson Dulaney (Ginny); William Proby Dulaney, Jr. (Cheryl); Mary Margaret Dulaney Hurley (Greg); Andrew Thomas Dulaney (Lynn); Joseph Ratcliff Dulaney, Sr. (Kara); and Betty Jo Dulaney, Jr. (Terri). Additionally, she is survived by her sixteen grandchildren, Carley Dulaney Lanuax (Trey), Robyn Dulaney Pela (John Michael), Amanda Dulaney Byrd (Nick), William Proby Dulaney, III (Lauren), Kathleen Dulaney Estes (John), Christine Dulaney Tomlinson (JR), Gregory John Hurley, Jr. (Mila), Alexander Hopson Hurley, Nicholas Dulaney Hurley, Mary Quinn Dulaney Myers (Tolly), Andrew Thomas Dulaney, Jr., Laura Ainsley Dulaney, Joseph Ratcliff Dulaney, II, Ameliea Rose Dulaney, Isabelle Beatrice Dulaney, William Montgomery Dulaney, and a host of great-grandchildren.

Visitation was scheduled for 9:30 a.m. Saturday, January 21, 2023, at Epiphany Episcopal Church, 1061 Shady Lane, Tunica, MS 38676, with the funeral to follow at 11:00 a.m. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be sent the Epiphany Episcopal Church, PO Box 224, Tunica, MS 38676, or Community Foundation of Northwest Mississippi, 315 Losher Street, Suite 100, Hernando, MS 38632.