Betty Martin Cason

Betty Martin Cason, age 81, passed away Tuesday, November 1, 2011 at South Central Regional Medical Center. Funeral services will be at 11 am Thursday, November 3, 2011 at Memory Chapel with burial to follow at Lake Park Cemetery. Dr. Ken Regan, pastor of Heritage Heights Baptist Church, will officiate. Betty Martin Cason graduated from George S. Gardiner High School in Laurel and earned a degree in chemistry from Mississippi College. She returned to Laurel, where she and her lifetime friend, Betty Sue Irving Windham, worked as chemists in the Masonite Corporation laboratory. While she was still in her twenties, she and her husband, Grady Cason, who had returned from a tour of duty with the U. S. Navy in Korea, established Central Pontiac Buick Company which they owned and operated for more than forty years. During an era when most automobile dealerships restricted women to office positions, Mrs. Cason managed all departments of the business: sales, accounting, finance, service, and parts. As president of the Laurel Junior Auxiliary, Mrs. Cason was instrumental in establishing the first class for children with learning disabilities in Laurel. Mrs. Cason was preceded in death by her beloved husband of over 50 years, James Grady Cason, who was call to be with our Lord on July 27, 2011. She was also preceded in death by her parents, Bill and Irma Rawls Martin; brother, Paul Martin; sister, Marion Dawn Martin; and a special caregiver and friend, Mary Helen Berry. She is survived by her two sons, James G. Cason, Jr. and William Gregory Cason; daughter and son-in-law, Sandra and Larry Johnston; grandson, Kyle Johnston; granddaughter, Kara Johnston; and great grandson, Malik Jackson. Surviving sisters are Jean Clinton of Laurel, Cherry Lee (Lige) of Terry, and Modena Martin of Jackson. Two sisters-in-law, Mary Anne Cason McPhail (John) of Jackson and Ruby Martin of Hattiesburg survive. Mrs. Cason is survived by many nieces and nephews. Mrs. Betty Sue Irving Windham is remembered and appreciated by the family as a cherished friend. Dollie McCullum was a dear person to the family for many years as were, close friends, Lidell and Elizabeth Howard of Laurel. Pallbearers will be Kyle Johnston, Danny Harris, Bob Bethea, Walter Smallwood, Sammie Porter, Daryl Cooper and Jeff Bailey. Former employees of Central Pontiac Buick Company will serve as honorary pallbearers. Memorials may be sent to Heritage Heights Baptist Church, 4140 Hwy 15 North, Laurel, MS 39440, or Foundation for Public Broadcasting in Mississippi, (mpbonline.org), 3825 Ridgewood Road, Jackson, MS. Visitation will be held from 9:30 am until the time of service on Thursday at Memory Chapel of Laurel which is in charge of the arrangements.

Betty Martin Cason

November 1, 1930 - November 1, 2011