Bobbie Jean Tuttle Pounders

Click Here To View Video Memorial TributeBobbie Jean Tuttle Pounders, age 76, died at her home Thursday evening, 3/8/12, in Batesville, MS. Funeral services will be held at 2:00 p.m. on Sunday, 3/11/12 at First United Methodist Church in Batesville, MS with Rev. Ed Woodall, Rev. Martin Case, Dr. David Ball, Rev. Pat Ludlum and Father Sam Messina presiding. Burial will follow in Magnolia Cemetery with Carter Smith, Fancher Smith, Dan Smith, John David Bailey, Harry Guckert, Dr. Richard Reid, Joseph Reid, Todd Boswell and Keith Heafner serving as pallbearers. Visitation will be held from 5-8 p.m. Saturday 3/10/12, at Wells Funeral Home. Bobbie Jean was born in Batesville, MS on December 28, 1935 to Bonnie Mae Hopper & Forrest Reed Tuttle. She was a lifelong member of the Batesville First United Methodist Church where she served as church librarian for over 30 years. She served as president of the United Methodist Women, on the Church Administrative Council and chaired the fundraiser for the extensive addition to the church. She attended Explorer's Bible Study.She was a surgical nurse for 52 years serving doctors and patients at the Batesville Clinic. She served as president of the Memphis Chapter of the American Surgical Techs and was on the Board of Directors of South Panola Community Hospital.Mrs. Pounders served as alderman for the city of Batesville for 20 years. She dedicated herself to restoration of the downtown square and to insuring progress for the hometown that she loved. Through her efforts the city began installing Christmas lights and decorations every year. She served as president and on the Board of Directors of Main Street and was instrumental in the founding of the Farmer's Market. In 2009 she was named to the Mississippi Municipal League Hall of Fame. In her efforts to bring recognition of her home county, Bobbie Jean was co-founder of the Panola County Ambassadors. Panola Partnership named her Ambassador of the Year for 2003-2004. As a token of appreciation for her efforts to highlight Panola County, henceforth this award will bear her name, the Bobbie Jean Pounders Ambassador of the Year Award.Bobbie Jean served as vice chairman of both the Panola County Industrial Authority and North Delta Planning and Development. She served on the board of the Panola County Airport and Panola Country Club. She was an active member of Batesville Rotary Club and also served as district president of the Mississippi Federation of Women's Clubs and was a charter member and president of the Beau Jour Club. Through her efforts the Beau Jour Club helped to found the South Panola Recreation Association. This organization raised the funds to build and operate Batesville's public swimming pool. She was on the Board of Directors for the Friends of the Library and a member of the Humane Society.In 1989, Batesville Junior Auxiliary named Mrs. Pounders as Queen of the Charity Ball. Because of her many contributions to her community, this organization honored her again in 2001 by proclaiming her Batesville's Citizen of the Year.Bobbie Jean was an avid sports enthusiast. She was a cheerleader in high school and a member of the 1954 Batesville High School state championship girls' basketball team. Sports followed her throughout her life as she participated in walking,  golf, and church softball. She was a member of the Rebel Club and a faithful supporter of the Ole Miss Rebels.  She leaves Three Daughters: Sheila L. Pounders of Batesville, MS; Jackie Pounders Langlow of Birmingham, AL and Amy Pounders Bailey and husband Scott of Crowder, MS; 4 Grandchildren: Caitlin Claire Bailey, Carson Scott Bailey, John Robbins Langlow, IV and Jackson Rhodes Langlow and one Great Granddaughter: Shannon Marie Bailey. Bobbie Jean is preceded in death by her parents Forrest Reed and Boonie Mae Hopper Tuttle and a daughter, Sherrie Lane Pounders. Memorial Donations can be made to the First United Methodist Church, 119 Panola Ave., Batesville, MS 38606 or North Delta Schools, 330 Green Wave Ln., Batesville, MS 38606 or Glenwood School, 150 Glenwood Ln., Birmingham, AL 35201.Guest register can be signed at www.wellsfuneralhome.net