Bettye Sue Kline

Published 9:46 am Tuesday, November 29, 2016

Funeral services for Bettye Sue Kline will be conducted Thursday, Dec. 1, 2016, at 11 a.m. at Anshe Chesed Congregation with Rabbi Jeremy Simons and Rabbi Hava Pell, spouse of Michael Kline, officiating.

Burial will follow at Anshe Chesed Cemetery.

Visitation will be from 5 to 7 p.m. Wednesday, Nov. 30, 2016, at Riles Funeral Home of Vicksburg, which is in charge of arrangements. Mrs. Kline died peacefully at home Sunday, Nov. 27, after a short five-week illness.

She was born on May 5, 1939, to Sam F. Lamensdorf Sr. and Susie Bell Lamensdorf of Rolling Fork. She attended school in Rolling Fork and graduated from Rolling Fork High School in 1957. In the fall of that year, she enrolled at the University of Alabama, which she attended for two years before her marriage to Stanley B. Kline on Nov. 29, 1959. They would have celebrated their 57th anniversary on Tuesday.

The Vicksburg community was an important part of her life and she gave willingly of her time to contribute to its causes and support its organizations. She was the consummate organizer, whether directing countless weddings for the brides and their families who entrusted her with one of the most important days of their lives, or chairing events and commemorations, or just family gatherings. All of these were done with dignity, grace, and perfection.

She has served as president of the Town and Country Garden Club, the Antique Club of Vicksburg, and as vice president and a longtime board member of the Southern Cultural Heritage Foundation. She was appointed by then-Lt. Gov. and now Gov. Phil Bryant to serve on the Mississippi Commission on the Holocaust.

She has been a member of Anshe Chesed Congregation since 1962, has served on the board of trustees numerous times, and was president of the Temple Sisterhood. She was currently serving as secretary-treasurer of the congregation.

One of her greatest accomplishments was the establishment of Bettye K in 1970, an upscale women’s clothing store in downtown Vicksburg, which she operated successfully until her retirement in 1995. Her uncanny understanding of style gave a sense of satisfaction and comfort to the many customers she was privileged to serve.

The bonds of trust and confidence developed with those customers led to many lifelong friendships, which she treasured.

The quintessential Delta Lady, she could rightfully claim to be, for she nurtured and enriched those fortunate enough to be in her path. She was unfailingly gracious and charming, and there was some kind of steel in her gentle personality.

More than anything in her life, her family was the most important part, and she beamed with pride in talking about and relating to each one.

She was predeceased by her parents, Sam and Susie Bell Lamensdorf; and her brother, Sam F. Lamensdorf Jr.

She is survived by her husband, Stan Kline of Vicksburg; sons, Mark Kline (Cari) of New Orleans and Steve Kline (Elise) of Plandome, N.Y.; grandchildren, Charles Kline, Melissa Kline, Hannah Kline and Sam Kline of Plandome; and Ruby Kline, Sela Kline, and Jesse Kline of New Orleans.

In addition, she leaves her brother Ben Lamensdorf (Betty Lee) of Cary and other relatives including longtime friend and housekeeper Mildred Allen.

Active pallbearers are Charles Kline, Mike Lamensdorf, Harry Lebow, Dr. David Ray Libby, William Moore, Bill Shappley, Richard Marcus, and Dr. Lou Jacobs. Honorary pallbearers are Dr. Hugh Lamensdorf, Rev. George Jackson, David Jackson, Nancy Ballard, Meta Klaus, Luncheon Club Members, Dr. Randy Easterling, Dr. David Halinski, Jesse Sanders, and the Pulmonary Transplant Team at Duke Medical Center.

The family is grateful to Southern Care Hospice Services and her loving caregivers Carolyn Barnes, Hattie Felix, and MaLinda Reece for their gentle and professional attention to her every need while under their care.

Donations may be made to Anshe Chesed Congregation Perpetual Care Fund, 2414 Grove Street, Vicksburg, MS 39183; Southern Cultural Heritage Foundation, 1302 Adams Street, Vicksburg, MS 39180; or a local charity of your choice.