News Summary
Betty Magee Roberts, a beloved mother and community leader from Brandon, MS, has passed away at 93. Renowned for her dedication to family and service, she made significant contributions throughout her life, including roles in education and local organizations. Visitation and memorial details have been announced for family and friends to honor her legacy.
Brandon, MS – Betty Magee Roberts, a devoted mother, grandmother, and community leader, passed away on Wednesday, May 14, 2025, at Chateau Pines Assisted Living in Brandon, Mississippi. She was 93 years old and leaves behind a legacy of service and family devotion.
Born to the late Norman Carlyle Magee and Gilda Brumfield Magee in Mt. Herman, Louisiana, Betty achieved academic excellence early in life, graduating as Valedictorian from Mt. Herman High School. She went on to earn a Bachelor of Arts degree in sociology from Louisiana State University (LSU), marking the beginning of a lifelong dedication to education and service.
Betty’s career began in Plaquemine, Louisiana, where she worked as a Welfare Visitor before transitioning to teaching seventh graders at Mt. Herman High School. Her journey took her to St. Louis, Missouri, where she spent three years as a hostess on the General Motors & Ohio (GM&O) luxury trains, traveling routes from St. Louis to Chicago and Mobile. It was during this time that she met her future husband, Curtis Delgadillo Roberts, a graduate from Northwestern University’s medical school, who was returning home to New Albany, Mississippi.
The couple married in 1953 and soon after began their family. Following three years of Curtis’s service in the Air Force, the Roberts family settled in Brandon, Mississippi, where they raised their three children. Curtis practiced medicine in the area until his untimely death in 1989. Although family was Betty’s primary focus, she was also actively involved in various community pursuits.
Throughout her life, Betty took on significant leadership roles, including serving as the editor of the Pearl Press newspaper and as the manager and director of Riverbend Transportation, Inc. She held the position of president of the Mississippi Medical Auxiliary and was also president of the parents’ organization at St. Andrew’s Episcopal School, demonstrating her commitment to community service and education. Betty was celebrated for her enthusiasm, excellence, and personal integrity in every aspect of her life.
Betty embraced her role as a loving wife, mother, and grandmother, taking an active interest in her grandchildren’s lives. Following the death of her husband, she continued to reside in the homes they built together, enjoying gardening and caring for her peafowl, which represented her love for nature and lifelong interests.
She is survived by her daughter, Susan Leah Roberts of Brandon, MS; two sons, John Curtis Roberts (Shannon) of Brevard, NC, and Stephen Magee Roberts (Harriet) of Oxford, MS; five grandchildren and two great-grandchildren. Her sister, Patricia Magee Holland of Denham Springs, LA, and close friend, J. W. Jennings, also survive her. Betty received special care from Ruby McGee and Ruth Fairley, and her family expresses gratitude to the staff at Chateau Pines Assisted Living for their loving support during her final years.
Visitation is scheduled for May 19, 2025, from 10 am to 11 am at St. Luke’s Episcopal Church in Brandon, MS. This will be followed by a celebration of the Holy Eucharist. A family graveside service is slated to occur at Roberts Cemetery near Mt. Herman, Louisiana.
In lieu of flowers, the family encourages memorial donations to be made to the Curtis D. Roberts Medicine Endowment at the University of Mississippi Medical Center or to St. Luke’s Episcopal Church, honoring the memory of a woman whose life was dedicated to her family and community.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Beloved Community Member Betty Magee Roberts Passes Away
Oxford, Mississippi Receives Six Nominations in Best of Mississippi Travel
Betty Magee Roberts, Beloved Community Member, Passes Away
Additional Resources
- Otta Lee Obituary: Betty Roberts
- Legacy Obituary: Bettie Delcomyn
- Legacy Obituary: Donald Purvis
- Wikipedia: Obituary
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Obituary
Author: STAFF HERE OXFORD WRITER
The OXFORD STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREOxford.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Oxford, Lafayette County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the Oxford Film Festival, Double Decker Arts Festival, and University of Mississippi football games. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Oxford-Lafayette County Chamber of Commerce and the University of Mississippi, plus leading businesses in education and retail that power the local economy such as Ole Miss Athletics and Square Books. As part of the broader HERE network, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Mississippi's dynamic landscape.
