Barbara Ann Becton

Barbara Ann Becton, 82, of Millry, AL passed peacefully from this life Sunday, November 30, 2025. She was born in Gilbertown, AL on Sunday, May 2, 1943, to the late Eugene and Vella Whigham, was one of fourteen children and grew up in Silas, Alabama. At the age of 15, she eloped with her sweetheart, Jackie F. Becton, and together they built a beautiful life filled with love, laughter, and three children. Her family continued to grow with six grandchildren and six great-grandchildren, all of whom brought her endless joy.
She possessed an entrepreneurial spirit long before it was common for women to step into the business world. In the early 1980s, she ventured out and founded multiple businesses, carving out her own path at a time when opportunities for women were far more limited. She was a longtime member of the Mobile Better Business Bureau and the Alabama Realtors Association, where she formed countless friendships and earned deep respect within her community.
A gifted cook, she was known for preparing lavish meals for her family, neighbors, and anyone who needed a warm plate and a warm heart. She was also a master at crocheting, creating pieces so intricate and beautiful. In her quieter moments, she enjoyed settling in with a good western.
She was a woman of faith who placed her trust in God and found comfort and strength in the ministry of Jimmy Swaggart. Above all, she was a devoted mother, Mamaw, sister, and friend. She will be remembered for her generosity, her resilience, her unmatched creativity, and the unwavering love she shared with all who knew her.
She is preceded in death by her husband, Jackie F. Becton; parents, Eugene and Vella Whigham; brothers, Eugene, Jr., Roland, Bennie Ray, William "Pete", Johnny Earl, and Gerald Wayne; sisters, Deloris, Doris, and Voncille. She is survived by her children, Cheryl (Greg) Sims, Charlene (Johnny) Hoffman, and Paul (Deneen) Becton; raised as one of her own daughters, Diane Waites (Harold); grandchildren, Tyler (Lindsey) Brown, Garrett (Chelsea) Hoffman, Chelsea (Logan) Green, Colby (Alex) Sims, Wade Becton, and Katie (Michael) Roberts; great-grandchildren, Becton, Jackson, Brayden, Adaline, Riley, and Maggie; siblings, Lucille Waites (James), Carolyn Chapman, Wyman Whigham (Diane), and Sandra Strickland (Otis); a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, and other family members.
Visitation for Mrs. Becton will be held from 1:00 PM to 2:00 PM, Wednesday, December 3, 2025, at Freeman Funeral Home, 1305 Skyland Drive, Waynesboro, MS 39367. Funeral Services will be held at 2:00 PM Wednesday, December 3, 2025, at Freeman Funeral Home in Waynesboro, MS with Rev. Justin Allen and Rev. Ken Beasley officiating. Interment will be in Chapel Hill Cemetery in Millry, AL. The family asks if you are one of the many that have received some of the crocheted items from Mrs. Barbara, please wear them to the graveside service in her memory.