Betty Martin Thompson

Betty Lucille Martin Blakely Thompson passed away at Stoneridge of Farmington Assisted Living in Corinth, MS, on November 3, 2025, due to complications of Alzheimer's disease.

She was born on September 19, 1939, to Harry Franklin Martin and Janie Tennessee Cleek Martin in Danceyville, TN. Betty was a gifted seamstress who worked in various manufacturing companies throughout West Tennessee, retiring from Levi Strauss in 1984. After the plant closed, Betty worked diligently to earn her GED, allowing her to serve as a substitute teacher for the McNairy County School District for several years. One of her favorite jobs was working at Gleaners House Thrift Store.

Betty was active in the Women of the Moose for years and served as an officer for the Selmer Chapter in the 80s. Later, she became very active in the Sanford Hill Baptist Church, serving in both the library, the nursery, and sang in the choir. Betty loved volunteering at the VFW and nursing homes in the Henderson area. One of her favorite activities was playing baseball with the children the VFW served. Betty loved babies and children and had a vast doll collection. She also loved to quilt and made sure everyone she loved had a handmade quilt. One of Betty’s favorite pastimes was listening to music, dancing, and singing. She would always be the first on the dance floor and would still dance and sing every time she heard a song. Betty and Don shared so many trips together. They traveled to several countries throughout Europe, Alaska, and their favorite destination, Hawaii.

Betty was preceded in death by her mother and father, her son, William Franklin Walls, her husband of 30 years, Paul Blakely, five brothers, five sisters, a grandson, Noah Jarnagin, and a granddaughter, Jasmine Barmer.

She is survived by her husband, Don Thompson of Corinth, MS, a brother, Earl Martin of Lamar, MS, her children: Judy and David Jarnagin of Corinth, MS, Connie and Ken Jarnagin of Bethel Springs, TN, Tammy and Jimmy Norris of Weatherford, TX, Ricky and Angel Blakely of Boaz, AL, Thomas Attaway and Joanie McMahon of Iowa City, IA, Mike and Tammy Blakely of Selmer, TN, and Wendy and Diego Cardenas of Cunningham, TN, Brock and Dujuana Thompson of Corinth, MS, and Lynna and Ronald Shelton of Henderson, TN. Betty was blessed with 22 grandchildren, 31 great-grandchildren, and 7 great-great-grandchildren.

Visitation will be held at Shackleford’s Funeral Home in Henderson from 5 pm to 8 pm on November 7th. Funeral services will be held at Sanford Hill Baptist Church in Henderson at 1 pm on November 8th, and burial will follow at Ramer Baptist Cemetery.

Shackelford Funeral Directors of Henderson