Betty Jean Alawine left us on July 22, 2021, just shy of her 78th birthday. The oldest daughter of George and Anita Ivy, she and her sister, Carroll, grew up in the Meridian area. She married her high school sweetheart, Jimmy Alawine, and together brought four children into this world: Jeannie (who passed away as a baby), Bo, Chris, and Shannon.

After a few years, Jean and Jimmy took different paths in life, and Jean, working as a single mom, managed to provide for her brood, despite the obstacles faced by many women in the early 70s, particularly in the conservative South.

Later in life, Jean found her soulmate in Virginia "Ginger" Alawine and, together, they lived, laughed, and, most importantly, loved together until the end of their days in the Zero community, sharing their home and their hearts with everyone.

Jean is survived by her children, five grandchildren, five great-grandchildren, nephews, nieces, adopted grandkids, friends, and pets.

An informal celebration of Jean's life will be held Saturday, Oct. 16. Please contact Bo at either jean.alawine@gmail.com or (228) 369-9482 for details.

We all greatly miss you, Momma, but will forever cherish the memories and the love you gave us.