Rebecca Tousley

Annie Rebecca “Becky” Perkins Tousley

Born March 28, 1926 in her maternal grandparents’ home in the Black Creek Community on Highway 12 in Lowndes County, Mississippi, Becky Tousley departed this Earthly life on January 01, 2025 in her home in Columbus, Mississippi after 98 exemplary and dedicated years.

Becky was a lifelong native of Columbus and dearly loved it. She was employed at First Columbus National Bank for 23 years, followed by 23 years at The Fant Memorial Library of Mississippi University for Women, where she graduated with a BA Degree in Library Science and with a Master’s Degree in English Summa Cum Laude. Her joy was embracing the treasures in books and helping students in their studies and research.

Her faith in God and Christ was the driving force of her existence. She became a Christian at the age of 16 years, and remained dedicated to the Lord for the entirety of her life. As a longtime member of the Columbus Nazarene Church, (of which her grandfather Julius Durant Shelton was a Founding Father) she served as a Board Member, Sunday School Teacher, Choir Member, Librarian, and in other positions of leadership for over 75 years.

Becky’s passion was meticulously caring for her family as an avid cook, baker and homemaker. Early American design, sewing to perfection, gardening, and entertaining family and friends made her happy.

Becky is preceded in death by her husband of 59 years, JC Tousley; Father Mosey Miles Perkins; Mother Virginia “Virgie” Susan Perkins; Brother-in-Law Casey Blackburn; and her Nephew Steven Blackburn.

She is survived by Daughters JudithAnn Donelson (Bill) and Susan Woelkers (Greg), both of Nashville, Tennessee; Son Roger Clayton Tousley (Teresa) of Columbus; Grandson David Austin Tousley (Larissa) of Columbus; Great Grandson Theodore Lane Tousley; Sister Catherine Blackburn of Columbus; Niece Mellynne Dickason (Joe) of Columbus; Grand Nieces Waverly and Kalee Dickason; and numerous loved ones from JC’s family  who live out of state.

Her greatest desire - to meet Jesus, family and loved ones in Heaven!

The burial service for the family will be at 1 PM on January 04, 2025 at Memorial Gardens. The Funeral Service will be held at 2:30 PM at the Church of the Nazarene at 2722 Ridge Road in Columbus, Mississippi for family, friends and loved ones. There will be a reception to follow.

Flowers may be sent to the Memorial Gunter Peel Funeral Home or a remembrance to the Church of the Nazarene. 

Becky will be remembered, cherished and greatly missed by all those who survive her.