Betty Jean Cossey's Obituary
Betty Jean Cossey, 79, of Southaven, Mississippi, entered her eternal rest on September 25, 2025.
Born on January 1, 1946, in Memphis, Tennessee, to Melba Ruth Feezor and Ernest Eugene Phillips, Betty was a proud New Year’s Baby. She spent her early years in Memphis before moving to California as a teenager. In her youth, she enjoyed being a majorette, a role that reflected her spirited and outgoing nature. After several years on the West Coast, she returned home to Memphis, where she met Donnie Glen “Don” Cossey. The two married and shared 27 years together, raising their two sons, Randall Glen Cossey and Daniel Glen Cossey.
Betty and Don were longtime owners of River City Contracting, where Betty served faithfully as Secretary and Treasurer. She was the steady hand behind the books, managing payroll, accounting, and countless details with diligence and care.
In 1994, Betty became a member of Longview Heights Baptist Church, where her faith found a home and her servant’s heart flourished. She participated in numerous mission trips and later joined the church staff in the music ministry. In that role, she faithfully organized sheet music for the choir and supported the worship team in many ways. Over the years she developed many close friendships within her church family, and in her final stage of life, those friends surrounded her with extraordinary love and care.
Beyond her work and service, Betty had many joys. She found peace and pride in her flower gardens and always surrounded her home with thriving plants. A devoted animal lover, she shared her life with many beloved dogs who brought her great comfort and companionship.
Betty is survived by her sons, Randall Glen “Randy” Cossey and Daniel Glen “Danny” Cossey (Sarah Elizabeth Cossey); her sister, Renee Wanker; her brother, Donnie Aycock; her grandsons, Robert Kole Dendy (Anica Dendy) and Andrew Reid Dendy; and the family she affectionately called her “Houston Family”: her former daughter-in-law, Renee Dendy, along with Renee’s husband Dustin and their children, Evan and Hayes. She was preceded in death by her former husband, Don; her mother, Melba; her brother, Kenny Aycock; and her granddaughter, Maegan Dendy.
Visitation will take place on Tuesday, September 30, 2025, from 10:00 a.m. until 12:00 p.m. at Longview Heights Baptist Church, 4501 Goodman Road, Olive Branch, MS 38654. The funeral service will begin at 12:00 p.m. Friends are invited to attend the visitation and funeral service. Interment at Memorial Park Funeral Home & Cemetery will be a private family ceremony.
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