The Society of Mississippi Archivists honors the life and service and mourns the February 21 passing of Bettye Brown, the Local History Assistant at Columbus-Lowndes Public Library’s Billups-Garth Archives. Since she began working at the archives in 2008, Brown helped untold numbers of patrons discover their family stories, worked on the development of print and digital resources, and assisted Mississippi School for Mathematics and Science students with their historical research projects. MSMS history teacher Chuck Yarborough wrote of her, “Her contributions to our students were contributions to our community’s future. We often say that we stand on the shoulders of others. A host of MSMS alums stand on Bettye’s shoulders, and she will be sorely missed.”

Mona Vance-Ali, who worked with Brown in the archives, said, “It was Bettye’s smiling face and dedicated work that helped make our repository a success. For thirteen years she assisted students, interns, and patrons with their research and projects. She leaves behind many fond memories. She was a colleague, but most importantly a friend.”

Bettye Brown’s work will live on through the lives she touched and the records she preserved for future generations. The Society sends its deepest condolences to her loved ones.