Betty Young, age 89, of Decatur, went to be with her heavenly father on Jan. 20, 2016. Betty was born on Feb. 26, 1926 to Edward and Blanche Mercer and raised in Rudolph, Ohio.
After graduating high school, Betty worked in Washington DC, where she met her future husband, Willis “Bill” Young Jr., of Crystal Springs, Mississippi. After marriage, they lived in Oxford, Mississippi where Bill attended college and Betty cared for their young children. The Youngs moved to Decatur in 1963.
Betty was blessed with the gift of hospitality and had a servant’s heart. She deeply loved and supported her husband, children, and extended family. Betty was the “wind beneath the wings” of her family.
She excelled in needlework and crochet, often giving her prized work as gifts. She and Bill enjoyed travel and she kept detailed journals which her children can now enjoy. An avid sports fan and a supporter of The University of Mississippi, Betty enthusiastically cheered on the Ole Miss Rebels. From a life well lived, Betty Young leaves a legacy of faith, love, compassion, kindness and wisdom.
Betty Young was preceded in death by her husband of 66 years, Willis Edgar Young Jr.; mother and dad, Edward and Blance Mercer; brothers, Ronald and Clarence Mercer.
She is survived by a daughter, Janis Young, of Decatur; three sons, Robert Young (Coyce), of Kissimmee, Florida, David Young (Jan), of Cullman and Leslie Young, of Decatur; grandchildren, Kim Landrum (Ken), Elaine Battles (Denton), Leah Fieldbinder (Victor), Paul Young, Koehler Young, Holly Brunner; eight great-grandchildren; one great-great-grandchild; sisters, Thelma Businger, June Fetter and Barbara McDaniel; brothers, Richard Mercer and Thomas Mercer.
A Celebration of Life will be Sunday, Jan. 24, 2016, 2 p.m. at Roselawn Funeral Home. Visitation will be from 1 p.m. until 2 p.m. Sunday at the funeral home. Burial will follow in Roselawn Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, donations are requested to the Nettie Young Scholarship Fund. Mailing address: Ole Miss Alumni Association, P. O. Box 1848, University, MS 38677.
