Betty Jean Tharp Gullick, 87, of Indianola and formerly of Belzoni, passed away peacefully at her home on Thursday, July 30, 2026.

Betty was born on February 11, 1939, to Daniel Tharp and Lea Ola Vaughan Tharp, both of whom preceded her in death.

Betty was a hard worker and spent her long career in retail sales at Bill's Dollar Store in Belzoni, where she worked for more than 25 years. Faith played a central role in Betty’s life. Since 1976, she was a devoted member of Gooden Lake Baptist Church, actively participating in the church community for half a century. Perhaps Betty’s proudest accomplishment was teaching Sunday school for more than 20 years. She inspired generations with her knowledge and thoughtful approach, sharing her love of the Bible with patience and grace. She cherished reading the Bible, immersing herself in Sunday school lessons and other Bible-study materials that enriched both her own spiritual journey and the lives of those around her.

Those who knew Betty remember her not only for her dedication and faith but also for her warmth as a mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, aunt, and friend. She is survived by her loving children, Michelle Cockrell and Debbie Richards, as well as their spouses, Darrell Cockrell and Troy Richards. Her legacy continues through her grandchildren, Allevia Cockrell, Jake Cockrell, Daniel Cockrell, and Hunter Cockrell, and her great-grandchildren, Addie Holcomb, Andrew Cockrell, and Edgar Cockrell. She was also a beloved aunt to Haley Willard, who survives her. Betty is also survived by her friend of 80 years, Joan Ballard.

Betty was preceded in death by her husband of 60 years, Ed Gullick; her parents, Daniel Tharp and Lea Ola Vaughan Tharp; her siblings, J.D. Tharp, Cecil Tharp, Eugene Tharp, Carrie Powell, Edna Lancaster, and Elaine Ross; and nieces and nephews Bob Powell, Raymond Lancaster, Wesley Tharp, Pam Willard, Tammie Lancaster, and Ann Tharp.

At home, Betty found joy in simple pleasures—she loved cooking for her family, filling her house with the comforting aromas of favorite dishes and the sound of shared laughter. She delighted in spirited conversations and arguments with her sisters, remembering fondly the closeness they all shared.

Graveside services will be held at Indianola City Cemetery, located at 851 Main Street, Indianola, Mississippi, on Monday, August 3, 2026, at 10:00 a.m. Burton Funeral Home of Indianola has been entrusted with arrangements.

Betty Jean Gullick’s legacy is marked by faith, devotion, and love for her family. She will be remembered always for her strength of character, her generosity of spirit, and her unwavering faith—a gentle matriarch whose influence endures in the hearts of all those fortunate enough to have known her.