Natchez, MS – Bettye McGehee Jenkins, a pioneering businesswoman and pillar of the Natchez community, passed away Friday, June 27th, 2025 at the age of 98. Just weeks before her passing, she was awarded the Key to the City — a tribute to her lifetime of dedication, leadership, and service.
Born in Gloster in 1926, Bettye moved to Natchez in 1937 and later graduated from the University of Mississippi. After starting her career with a company that would become Chevron, she married Hyde Dunbar “Sonny” Jenkins and raised their family while building a successful business legacy.
In 1955, Bettye co-founded Vidalia Dock & Storage, growing it into a major industrial supplier for the region. She ran much of the business herself — handling everything from accounting to operations — and remained actively involved for decades. At its height, the company supported more than 20 full-time employees and contributed to major infrastructure projects across the area.
Beyond her professional success, Bettye was deeply committed to civic life. She served on the boards of the Pilgrimage Garden Club and the DAR, and remained an active member of First Presbyterian Church for over 50 years. She also played a key role in local tourism, guiding tours and supporting heritage events throughout the city.
Bettye McGehee Jenkins leaves behind a lasting legacy — not only as a trailblazer in business but as a mother, a friend, a neighbor, and a proud daughter of Natchez. Her story is woven into the fabric of this region, and her spirit will live on in the city she helped shape.
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