Betty Florence Root

Betty Florence Root’s life journey ended on July 26, 2025, with her daughter and her granddaughter by her side. Though she spent most of her life in Mississippi, Betty also lived in California and Missouri before returning to her home town of Brandon MS where she lived the remainder of her days.

Betty was born on January 31, 1937 to Claire and Percy Root in Jackson MS. She was the eighth born out of ten children. She attended Brandon High School, where she was a majorette, and held the state record for softball throw. She was crowned “Miss Brandon High” in 1955, and graduated the same year.

She went on to work for General Motors Acceptance Corporation (GMAC), along with her two sisters. She met her former husband, Al Wiman at a homecoming event in honor of Mary Ann Mobley's Miss America win in 1959. He was host of Jackson's version of American Bandstand, “Teen Tempos”, and fell in love with Betty at first sight. They were soon married at First Baptist Church in Brandon MS, and boarded a train to California where Al served in Armed Forces Radio. Betty devoted herself wholeheartedly to raising her children, Claire and Paul, a role she embraced with boundless love and care.

Betty returned to Brandon in 1984, where she cared for her mother, Claire Root until her passing in 1998. In addition she went on to clerk for the UMMC Trauma Heliport, and worked as an Executive Assistant in the Forestry Division at Georgia Pacific’s Jackson Headquarters.

Betty found joy in the simple things in life. She loved the many gardens and plants in her yard and always made sure to take care of the many beautiful songbirds she hosted year round. You could find her every morning in her yard, barefoot, coffee in hand, filling her bird feeders. She loved the ocean, and spending time on The Emerald Coast. She loved to go out dancing, and was an avid supporter of live music. She was spontaneous and always loved a new adventure and embraced every opportunity to live life to its fullest. Always full of warmth and laughter, Betty had a rare gift for making friends with strangers and making everyone around her feel valued and loved. Her kindness, wit, and gentle strength left a lasting impression on all who were fortunate enough to know her.

Betty is survived by her children Claire Wiman Wirt of Santa Cruz, CA , Paul Wiman of Brandon MS, her granddaughter Sarah Slayden Wirt, of Santa Cruz, CA, and her sister Ruth Lucille (Root) Benton of Brandon MS, and her many nieces and nephews coast-to-coast.

Claire and Sarah would like to acknowledge Betty’s many caregivers. Special thanks to the nurses in the ICU at St Dominic’s, whose love and respect meant so much to all of us. Jessica, Georgia, we love you. Thanks to Miss Lindsey, her Occupational Therapist, you could always get a laugh out of Granny. And to Elouise Nelson, there are no words to express the love and gratitude our entire family has for you. You looked after Betty during times we could not be present. Thank you for advocating for her in our absence.You all hold a special place in our hearts.

There will be a gathering in Betty’s honor at a later date. Bring your dancing shoes!