Bettye Smith Brown Memorial Scholarship Fund

Honoring a legacy of perseverance, service, and belief in the power of education.

Bettye Smith Brown

Bettye Smith Brown believed deeply in the power of education, perseverance, and hard work.

A proud native of Vicksburg, Mississippi, she was known for her dedication to service and her determination to create opportunities for others. Even when financial resources were limited, she remained committed to making sure her children had the chance to attend college and pursue successful futures.

Her well-known words, “Nothing beats a failure but a try,” continue to reflect the spirit behind the Bettye Smith Brown Memorial Scholarship Fund.

Created in her honor, the scholarship supports graduating high school seniors in Warren County, Mississippi, as they take the next step toward higher education. Each year, two scholarships of at least $10,000 are awarded to help make college more accessible for students pursuing their goals and building their futures.

Through this scholarship, Bettye Smith Brown’s legacy continues to encourage young people to keep moving forward, believe in themselves, and pursue opportunities that can change the course of their lives.