Betty Jo Shute

Betty Jo Shute, passed away peacefully after a long illness on September 19, 2025, in Ridgeland, Mississippi, at the age of 89.

Born on January 27, 1936, in Lexington, Mississippi, Betty Jo grew up in the Delta and graduated from Greenwood High School in Greenwood, MS in 1955. During her high school years, she was a cheerleader-an early sign of her spirited nature and enthusiasm for life.

Betty Jo dedicated over three decades of her professional life to Blue Cross - Blue Shield in Jackson, MS, where she worked in accounting for 32 years. Her meticulous attention to detail and commitment to excellence were hallmarks of her career. She took pride in balancing her checkbook every month to the penny-a reflection of both her discipline and precision.

A devoted Christian throughout her life, Betty Jo was a proud member of Broadmoor Baptist Church for over fifty years. Her faith was central to who she was. She loved the Lord with all of her heart and found deep fellowship within her Sunday School class-the Barnes / Jackson Life Group-which remained an important part of her spiritual journey. Here favorite Bible verse is Philippians 4:13.

Betty Jo was also known for her love of Ole Miss football. As a proud supporter-especially since both of her sons attended the University of Mississippi-she rarely missed watching or listening to a game. Her passion for the Rebels was matched only by her daily ritual of completing crossword puzzles, a pastime that kept her sharp and engaged well into her later years.

She is survived by her son Jim and his wife Brenda of Dallas, TX; grandchildren Molly Shute of Dallas, TX; Laura Shute and her daughter Grace Shute (Betty Jo's great-granddaughter) of Richardson, TX; niece Jan Shanks Delaney of Orlando, Florida; and nephew Les Shanks of Nashville, TN.

She was preceded in death by her beloved husband Sam Shute and son Sammy Shute of Ridgeland, MS; parents Josephine and Aubrey Shanks of Greenwood, MS; and brothers Teddy Shanks and Jimmy Shanks of Greenwood, MS.

She loved her Montrachet neighbors and a special thanks to neighbors Martha Bucciantini, Chad Mitchell and others who were so helpful in her later years.

A woman of unwavering faith and quiet strength, Betty Jo leaves behind a legacy rooted in devotion-to God, to family, and to the values she held dear. May her memory bring comfort to those who knew and loved her.

A Funeral Service will be held on Monday, October 6, 2025, with visitation at 11:00 AM and the funeral service in the chapel at 12:00 noon at Broadmoor Baptist Church 1531 Highland Colony Parkway.

In lieu of flowers, please donate a memorial in memory of her to Broadmoor Baptist Church www.broadmoor.org/give.