Mrs. Jetty Cathryn Paxton Gary, aged 84, went to be with her Lord on July 26, 2023. She was born on September 19, 1938, in Eupora, MS, the daughter of Ralph Castle Paxton and Gertrude Blalock Paxton. Jetty spent her childhood in Eupora, MS, and graduated from Eupora High School. She went on to MS State University where she received a double master's degree in Business Education and Elementary Education.
Jetty and Harold both grew up in Webster County. They met at ages 15 and 16. Harold asked Mrs. Jetty, the city girl, out on their first date...a movie complete with popcorn and Cokes. Their circumstances could have taken them in different directions, but God had a plan for their lives. They married on April 28, 1963, and have been married 60 years. They were each other's one and only true love. God's plan for them included new jobs, relocations, and a family, two beautiful daughters.
As Harold once said, "A successful marriage depends on an open dialogue, forgiving, praying, attending church, loving and caring for one another." Harold and Jetty centered their lives around Christ and the true meaning of I Corinthians 13: 4-7.
She was well known in the field of education. Mrs. Jetty taught school in Meridian, Yazoo City, Forest, Hernando, Monticello, and Brookhaven. Her husband was an employee of the US Department of Agriculture, and every time they were transferred, it gave her the opportunity to teach in many school districts. She taught and touched over 3,000 children's lives. She taught students who became Mayors, Chiefs of Police, Doctors, Lawyers, firemen, policemen, principals, teachers, bank presidents and pastors. Mrs.
Jetty impacted many people - always correcting their English, if necessary.
Mrs. Jetty was the glue that kept their family together. She always cooked more than enough because she never knew who was coming to eat. She welcomed everyone anytime. Her door was always open, and she would often meet you in the driveway with a hug and an invitation to come in and stay awhile.
Mrs. Jetty was an active member of First Baptist Church of Brookhaven, MS. She taught Sunday School, served on numerous committees, and played hand bells for many years. Her love for her church, her pastors, and her friends was boundless. If there was a need, she met it; if there was an opportunity to serve, she served.
Known to her treasured grandchildren as "Nonna", Jetty was always dressed - with her hair done and her makeup on. Her taste was impeccable, and she aways displayed her beauty both inside and out.
She was an outstanding "Nonna", mother and wife. She always wanted her two daughters to have their priorities in life to go in the right direction. The example she set for her family is in full display in the lives of her girls and her grandchildren. Their successes are exemplary of the character, morals, integrity, love, and generosity that they have all demonstrated in their own lives. Mrs. Jetty lived for her family and friends, and her love for them will last throughout their lives. Her influence will live on through them.
She is survived by her husband, Harold Ray Gary; two daughters, Carol Gary and Cathy Gary Oldham (Trey), all of Brookhaven; eight grandchildren, Walker Gary Franck of Denver, CO; Courtney Carol Franck of Dallas, TX; Paxton Ray Trull, Catherine Nicole Trull and Christin Elizabeth Trull DuBois (Jeremy) all of West Point, MS; Hayley Renee Oldham of Madison, MS;
London Elise Oldham of Puckett, MS; three great grandchildren, William Camden Payne, Divi Frances DuBois and Tucker Jo Trull all of West Point, MS; two sisters, Patsy Paxton Hennessey (Johnny) of Monroe, LA; her twin sister, Etty Paxton Brown of Eupora, MS; five nieces, two nephews, and a number of great-nieces and -nephews; Gene and JoAnn Thames; Jeff, Michelle and Charley Nunnery. Mrs. Gary was predeceased by her parents, Mr. and Mrs. Ralph Castle Paxton, and grandson, Cameron Scott Trull.
Visitation will be Wednesday, August 2, 2023, at Riverwood from 5:00 - 8:00 pm and Thursday, August 3, 2023, from 9:00 - 11:00 am at First Baptist Church in Brookhaven, MS. Funeral services will follow at 11:00 am.
Graveside and burial will be at Riverwood Memorial Park
Memorials may be made to First Baptist Church, P.O. Box 589, Brookhaven, MS 39602 or Halo Haven, 622 Cougar Trail NW, Brookhaven, MS 39601.
