Elizabeth Jean Martin Pace

Elizabeth Jean “Betty” Martin Pace of Vicksburg died Friday, Sept. 14, 2012, at University of Mississippi Medical Center in Jackson. She was 82.

Mrs. Pace began her education at Oak Ridge School and attended Edwards School before graduating from Carr Center High School in 1949. Mrs. Pace worked at The Valley Dry Goods during high school and, after graduation, worked as administrative assistant to school Superintendent H.V. Cooper. She then worked as office manager for the YMCA in downtown Vicksburg and, for more than 30 years, served as church secretary for First Presbyterian Church of Vicksburg.

Betty and her late husband, Billy, devoted their lives to raising children and grandchildren. For nearly 40 years, Betty and Billy served as leaders of the junior high youth group Pioneers of First Presbyterian Church.

She was active in her church, where she served in numerous capacities. Her roles included deacon and Sunday school teacher; and she was a member of the Presbyterian Women, where she received The Lifetime Achievement Award. She was a member of the Mary Martha Sunday School Class at the time of her death. She also enjoyed church outings, especially the annual Women’s Retreat.

Mrs. Pace also was an active member of The 49ers Club, a group of “girls” who graduated from Carr Central High School in 1949, who still meet quarterly for lunch and socializing. She loved drawing, painting with watercolors and putting together puzzles.

She was preceded in death by her husband, William Martin “Billy” Pace Sr.; her mother and father, Will Armajer and Margaret McCrain Martin; her brother, W.A. “Billy” Martin Jr.; and her sisters, Marguerite Martin Andrews, Laura Francis Martin Holliday and Christine Martin Gwinner.

Survivors include her sons, Sheriff Martin Pace (Kim) and Warren Pace (Tressie), both of Vicskburg; a daughter, Suzanne Artman (Jeff) of Vicksburg; grandchildren, Will Pace, Taylor Pace, Ashleigh Ford, Jake Artman, Kelsey Artman, Josh Artman and Jonah Artman; and numerous nieces and nephews.

Services will be at 10 a.m. Monday, Sept. 17, 2012, at First Presbyterian Church in Vicksburg with the Rev. Tim Brown officiating. Burial will follow at Cedar Hill Cemetery.

Visitation will be today from 5 until 8 p.m. at Frank J. Fisher Funeral Home and from 9 a.m. Monday until the hour of service at First Presbyterian Church.

Pallbearers will be Martin Pace, Warren Pace, Will Pace, Taylor Pace, Jeff Artman, Mac Fulgham, Kenneth Halford and Fred Newcomb.

Honorary pallbearers will be Dr. Tom Mitchell, Dr. Rusty Brown, Dr. Murray Whitaker and members of the Mary Martha Sunday School Class and The 49ers Club.

Memorials may be made to First Presbyterian Church, 1501 Cherry St., Vicksburg, MS 39180; the Baddour Center, 626 Baddour Blvd., Senatobia, MS 38668; or Jacob’s Ladder Learning Center, 1017 Harrison St., Vicksburg MS 39180.