Bettye Buckley Obituary

Bettye G. Buckley (nee Googe), 96 of Long Beach, MS, passed away in her home on August 4, 2025. She was born to parents Virgil and Willie Etta Googe on August 11, 1928

Bettye spent her childhood in Fulton, Mississippi. She graduated from Mississippi State College for Women in 1948 with a degree in Home Economics. She received a master’s degree from the University of Alabama.

Bettye married Joseph Earl Buckley on July 28, 1948. They were married for over 60 years and owned a farm and several businesses in Starkville, Mississippi. They were avid travelers and enjoyed experiencing different cultures.

Bettye was a talented floral designer and was very popular with brides in the area. She served as an officer in the Mississippi Floral Association for many years.

Joe and Bettye retired in 2005 and moved to Long Beach, Mississippi. Bettye was active in the Friendship Oak chapter of the Daughters of the American Revolution. She belonged to several sewing groups, where she made clothes, quilts, and other items for charity. She was a faithful member of First Baptist Church of Long Beach.

Bettye is preceded in death by her husband, Joe, and brothers E.R. and Troy Googe.

Bettye is survived by her son, Joseph L. Buckley (Babe); and daughter, Etta Clark (Cyrus); Grandchildren, William Buckley (Elan), Rebecca Krauland (Matt), and Rachel Rosalia (Jesse); Great-grandchildren, J. R. Buckley, Elena Krauland, and Jewel Buckley

There will be a visitation for friends and family on Thursday, August 7, 2025, from 5:00 PM to 6:00 PM, at Riemann Family Funeral Home, 19130 Commission Rd, Long Beach, MS 39560.

A graveside service will be held on Friday, August 8th, 2025, at 12:30 PM at Oddfellows Cemetery, University Drive, Starkville, MS 39759

Contributions in her memory may be made to St. Jude’s Children's Research Hospital in lieu of flowers.

The family would like to express their sincere gratitude to the caregivers at Vital Caring Hospice for providing a smooth transition for the family.

Let us remember the past with gratitude, live the present with enthusiasm, and look forward to the future with confidence. 

2 Corinthians 1:3-4 All praise to God, the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ. God is our merciful Father and the source of all comfort. He comforts us in all our troubles so that we can comfort others. When they are troubled, we will be able to give them the same comfort God has given us.

Riemann Family Funeral Home, Long Beach, is honored to serve the Buckley family.