Elizabeth Edwards "Beth" McBrayer

1927-2011

It was Beth who provided a lot of the connections and information on this branch of the Mississippi family. Ours sincere thanks to her for those efforts.

Elizabeth "Beth" Edwards McBrayer, age 83, died Thursday, June 09, 2011 at Hospice Ministries in Ridgeland. She was born November 9, 1927 in Philadelphia, Mississippi, to Eula Hindman and Thomas P. Edwards, Sr. She spent her childhood in Jasper County where she graduated from Louin High School and played basketball. She also attended Jones Junior College. She moved to Louisville, Mississippi, to be dental hygienist and soon married Jim McBrayer. In 1953, they moved to Brandon, Mississippi, where they have spent the majority of their lives. Devoted to her family, Beth was always active and involved in church and school activities. She was a member of Brandon Presbyterian Church (PCA). There, she helped establish the church's first Vacation Bible School, taught Sunday School and was active in the Women in the Church (WIC). She also recorded an oral history from her childhood, which inspired her niece, Deborah Wiles, to author the award-winning children's book Love, Ruby Lavender. Beth was a devoted wife and loving mother, and an inspiration to all who knew her.

She was preceded in death by her parents, sister, Evelyn Edwards Caskey, brother, Col. Thomas P. Edwards, and granddaughter, Laurie Anne McBrayer. Survivors include her husband of 64 years, James Herbert McBrayer; daughter, Carol Booth and her husband Bob, of Brandon, MS; son, James McBrayer and his wife Linda, of Clinton, MS; grandchildren, Chris McBrayer and his wife Emy, Kathryn Stewart and her husband Brady, Kim Bruister and her husband Richie, and Bethany McBrayer; great-grandchildren, Will McBrayer, Ford Stewart, Cole Bruister, Lilley McBrayer, Anna Claire Bruister, Mary Clayton Stewart, and Oliver Perkins. She leaves behind many beloved nieces, nephews, cousins and friends as well.

Visitation will be held Saturday, June 11, from 9:00 a.m. until 11:00 a.m. at Ott and Lee Funeral Home in Brandon, Mississippi. A memorial service will be held at the same location at 11:00 a.m. with Rev. John Dawson officiating. Immediately following, a graveside service will be held at Brandon Memorial Gardens.

In lieu of flowers, contributions can be made to the Brandon Presbyterian Church Building Fund.

(obit provided by Christie Ballinger)