Betty Madsen

Betty Madsen died on October 11, 2024, leaving behind her loving family to cherish and laugh about all their fond memories with her.

Betty was born in Columbus, Georgia on March 23, 1941. She was the oldest of four children eventually growing up in Pascagoula, MS. Betty found the love of her life in Dave Madsen while attending Perkinston Junior College, and the couple married on August 16,1961 in Pascagoula, MS before moving to Mississippi State University for Dave to complete his degree in chemical engineering. Betty and Dave lived in numerous places, such as Texas and Louisiana, but Vicksburg was their home and where they retired. Betty worked as an administrative assistant for many years at various places, such as Waterways Experiment Station, Warren County Tax office, and the Grand Gulf Power Plant, before retiring from the Vicksburg-Warren School district.

Betty enjoyed the natural beauty of flowers, plants, and birds. She loved time with family gatherings including her cats and dogs. Betty loved enjoying coastal cuisine as oyster dishes were her favorite treat. She loved conversations and learning about people. Betty also loved to chat one on one with family while “stretching out” in her chair or bed. Her hobbies included gardening, four-wheeler riding, her paint by number app, swimming, fishing with an old-fashioned cane pole, time on the back porch, talking with family, and watching sports on TV (MSU, Astros, and Saints were her teams). Betty loved to watch and study weather events and served as the family’s own personal weather alert. Her TV was often tuned into the Weather Channel. Betty loved air conditioning. She also loved Pavarotti. In her earlier days, she spent time playing cards, being part of various civic clubs, playing the organ and piano, and cooking. But, family was the center of her life and love. Betty particularly cherished her family in Wiggins and Mount Olive.

She is survived by her four children whom she deeply loved: Melinda Zappi, Cheryl Diane Gill, Cynthia Buntyn, and Michael Madsen along with her sons in law Mark Zappi and Bill Buntyn. She is also survived by her five loving grandchildren: Kait Gill; Kyle Zappi and wife, Lauren; Christa Gill; Nathan Madsen and wife, Elizabeth; and Alex Zappi and fiancé, Sejal. She loved her grandchildren and was so proud of each of them for the kind, wonderful people they all grew up to be. Betty is also survived by her sister, Judy Ellzey.

Her loving husband, G. David “Hey” Madsen passed before Betty in 2021. Betty’s passing was also preceded by the death of her parents (Leland Thomas Chapin and Ethel Dee Gatlin Chapin), a sister (Penny Hayden), and a brother (Dusty Chapin).

The family will be holding a private service. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to a charity of your choice.

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