Betty Sue Dettre leaves legacy of service and compassion through gift to Children’s of Mississippi

Children’s of Mississippi exists to care for the state’s most vulnerable children and families, those facing some of life’s most challenging moments.

That mission is strengthened not only by the dedication of physicians and staff, but also by the generosity of individuals whose support creates lasting change. Among those benefactors is Betty Sue Dettre, whose estate gift is helping shape the future of pediatric care in Mississippi.

Following her death in 2022, Betty Sue Dettre, of Columbia, left a nearly $5 million gift through her estate to Children’s of Mississippi. The contribution will support the renovation of Batson Tower as well as other critical areas across the state’s only children’s hospital, ensuring the impact is felt throughout the system, from patient rooms and family spaces to vital programs and services.

“The generosity of Mrs. Dettre strengthens our ability to care for Mississippi’s children both today and in the future,” said Dr. Mary Taylor, CEO of Children’s of Mississippi and the Suzan B. Thames Chair of Pediatrics. . “We are honored by this support and thankful for the lasting difference it will make for the patients and families we serve.”

While Betty Sue Dettre lived largely outside the public spotlight, her life was deeply shaped by a legacy of service. She was married to Maj. Gen. Rexford H. Dettre Jr., a decorated war hero whose extraordinary military career spanned World War II, the Korean War and the Vietnam War. A graduate of the U.S. Military Academy at West Point, Rexford Dettre was commissioned during World War II and served as a fighter pilot with the U.S. Army Air Forces.

In 1944, his aircraft malfunctioned during a mission over Nazi-occupied Europe, forcing him to bail out behind enemy lines. After months of evading capture with the help of resistance networks, he was eventually taken prisoner and held at Stalag Luft III, the infamous prisoner-of-war camp associated with the “Great Escape.” Despite enduring forced marches and harsh imprisonment, he survived until liberation in 1945.

Rexford Dettre continued his military service after the war, flying more than 100 combat missions during the Korean War and additional missions during the Vietnam War. He retired in 1973 with the rank of major general, earning numerous honors throughout his career, including the Distinguished Service Medal, Distinguished Flying Cross and Legion of Merit. He died in 2004 and was buried at Arlington National Cemetery.

Although far less is publicly known about Betty Sue Dettre herself, her values are evident through the causes she chose to support. Together with her husband, she contributed to organizations centered on service, history and culture, including the National Museum of Women in the Arts and the National WWII Museum. Her final and most impactful gift, however, is one rooted in healing and hope.

“We are deeply grateful to Mrs. Dettre for supporting Children’s of Mississippi in such a meaningful way,” said Meredith Aldridge, executive director of development. “Her gift allows us to enhance care environments and expand resources across the hospital. It is truly a privilege to help bring her vision to life.”

Improved facilities play an essential role in pediatric healing. Renovated patient rooms, family areas and clinical spaces help reduce stress, support safety and efficiency and allow care teams to deliver the highest level of care possible. Through her generosity, Dettre helped invest in an environment designed not only for today’s patients, but for generations of Mississippi children to come.

In addition to Batson Tower renovation, the remainder of the Dettre’s gift will support other areas across Children’s of Mississippi. These funds strengthen the hospital’s ability to provide programs that serve children with complex medical needs and families who rely on the hospital as their primary source of pediatric care.

Children’s of Mississippi provides services that are not available anywhere else in Mississippi. Philanthropic support allows the hospital to expand access to care, invest in innovative treatments and ensure that children from every community, regardless of financial circumstances, can receive world-class care close to home.

To learn about ways to include Children’s of Mississippi in your estate plans, contact Mark Annunziata, estate and planned giving officer, at 601-984-4468 or mannunziata@umc.edu.