Betty T. Stafford

Betty Mae Trammell Stafford, age 93, of Gulfport, passed away peacefully at home on March 5, 2025.

Betty was preceded in death by her parents, George and Bertha Knopf Trammell, and her beloved son, William “Beav” Monroe Stafford, Jr.

She is survived by her devoted husband of 54 years, William Monroe Stafford; her loving daughter and son-in-law, Donna Lynn Stafford Meyer and Ray Dean Meyer, Jr.; and her cherished sisters-in-law, Gladys Stafford McCardle and Gloria Stafford.

Born in Atlanta, Georgia, Betty graduated from Gulfport High School and pursued further education at the Crawford Long School of Nursing at Emory University. She earned a bachelor’s degree from Ole Miss and a master’s degree from the University of Southern Mississippi, both specializing in Nursing.

Betty’s distinguished career in nursing education spanned many years. She taught at MGCCC Jeff Davis Campus in Gulfport, MS, and Florida Keys Community College in Key West, FL. She also worked at El Cajon Community Hospital in El Cajon, California. Throughout her career, Betty received numerous accolades, including Nurse of the Year from the MS Nursing Association, and recognition in Who’s Who in American Nursing from Personalities in Nursing.

She was a member of several professional organizations, including Sigma Theta Tau, the National Honor Society of Nursing, District 5 Nursing Association, MS Nursing Association, and the American Association of University Women. Betty was also a dedicated member of the First United Methodist Church in Long Beach.

Betty’s love for her dogs was evident to all who knew her. She enjoyed training and showing her dogs in competitions across the US, earning many awards. Her other passions included horse riding and fishing.

Betty believed her greatest legacy was the impact she had on training countless nurses who went on to serve in hospitals, clinics, home health, nursing homes, and other healthcare facilities along the coast.

Funeral services will be held on Tuesday, March 11, 2025, at 11:00 a.m., with visitation starting at 10:00 a.m. at Riemann Family Funeral Home, 11280 Three Rivers Rd., Gulfport, MS. Interment will follow at Floral Hills Memorial Gardens in Gulfport. The Nightingale Nurse Honor Guard will pay tribute, with Rev. Ben Barlow officiating.

An online obituary may be viewed, and memories shared at www.RiemannFamily.com