Betty James

SIKESTON -- Betty R. James, 80, died Dec. 14, 2017, at her home in Sikeston.

She was born Sept. 18, 1937, in Bollinger County, to the late Julius "Dude" and Emma (Tankersley) Long. She was one of 10 children.

Betty was a dedicated member of Trinity Gospel Church and a loving wife, mother and grandmother.

On July 24, 1967, she married Kenneth Feariel James; he preceded her in death on May 18, 2012.

Survivors include: two sons and one daughter-in-law, Lenny Hawkins of Bloomfield and Denny and Kristy Hawkins of Jackson; two daughters and one son-in-law, Betty Hawkins and Kim and Stacey Lincoln all of Sikeston; one brother, Billy Long; and six grandchildren, Emma Baker, Justin Hawkins, Courtney Hawkins, Glenn Jones, Lilia Rushing and Nevaeh Hawkins.

In addition to her husband and parents, she was preceded in death by one son, Kenneth F. James Jr.; six brothers, Eugene Long, Pete Long, Charles Long, Vernon Long, Winford 'JC' Long and Robert Long; and two sisters, Esther M. Long and Aldva Clark.

Visitation will be held Sunday, Dec. 17 from 2 p.m. to 5 p.m. at Ponder Funeral Home in Sikeston, where funeral services will be held Monday, Dec. 18 at 1 p.m. Ann Brock will officiate.

Burial will follow at Morgan Memorial Park at Advance.

Paid obituary