Bennie Fay Harrelson

June 15, 1930 - December 29, 2017

Amory – Bennie Fay Harrelson passed away Friday, December 29, 2017, at Sanctuary Hospice House, Tupelo. Bennie was the daughter of the late Dallas Clifton and Margie Tipton Flippo. Bennie was a graduate of Greenwood Springs School and graduated from The “W” with a nursing degree. She trained at Gilmore Memorial. On June 5, 1957, she married the love-of-her-life, Jimmie Warren Harrelson. They were blessed with a wonderful son, Jay. With Jimmie serving for 22 years in the US Air Force, they were stationed in Columbus, the Philippines, Charleston, SC, Montana, Germany, England and West Texas. While in England, she was active in the Wives’ Club doing volunteer work. Going back to school, Bennie graduated from Howard College, Big Springs, TX, in 1976, as a Physician’s Assistant. Bennie worked as a nurse at each place they were stationed. When Jimmie retired from service, they moved to Surfside Beach, SC, and owned and operated Harrelson’s Fish Market and Inlet Hardware in Murrells Inlet. In 1987, they retired and moved to Amory. With her life guided by her faith and family, Bennie and her husband were active members of First United Methodist Church, Amory, where she was a Sunday school class leader. She loved all the classic hymns. Her favorite Christmas songs were “Little Drummer Boy” and “White Christmas.” She was past-president of The Flower Lovers Garden Club. Bennie loved being outdoors working in her flower gardens. She treasured her two precious dogs, Charlie 1 and Charlie 2. Having a full and adventurous life, she enjoyed traveling all over the world. On Saturday evenings, she enjoyed playing poker with family and friends. Bennie enjoyed listening to music by Elvis and Ray Charles. A lively, very loving and intelligent lady, Bennie was passionate about volunteering and always helping others. The memories she left her friends and family will be cherished forever. She is survived by her son, Jay W. Harrelson (Jennifer), Belden; grandchildren, Jonathan Killingsworth (Natalie), Olive Branch; Tyler Killingsworth, Tupelo; brothers, Bobby Flippo (Nell) and Doyle Flippo, Amory; Wayne Flippo (Lois), Caledonia; several nieces and nephews. Along with her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband of 49 years, Jimmie W. Harrelson and sister-in-law, Jane Flippo. Her Funeral Service will be held at 2 PM, Wednesday, January 3 at First United Methodist Church, Amory, with Rev. Wesley Pepper and Rev. Don McCain officiating. Burial will be in Haughton Memorial Park. Pallbearers will be Chris Steele, Matt Flippo, Patrick Chism, Mike Steele, Larry Flippo, Daniel Flippo, David Flippo, and Parker Northington. Visitation will be from 6 – 8 PM, Tuesday at E. E. Pickle Funeral Home, Amory. She will lie-in-state at the church on Wednesday from 1 – 1:50 PM. Memorials can be given to First United Methodist Church, POB 147, Amory, 38821; Sanctuary Hospice, POB 2177, Tupelo, 38803; or Mitchell Center at Traceway, 2800 W. Main St., Tupelo 38801. Memories and condolences can be shared with her family at eepicklefuneralhome.com.