Elizabeth Jane "Betty" McPherson, age 81, of Dixon, was born on January 17, 1943, at Jefferson City, a daughter of Lloyd and Wildreth (Brinkman) Marsden. She passed from this life on Wednesday, March 27, 2024, at her residence.

Betty was united in marriage to Jerry Allen McPherson on July 1, 1963, at Washington D.C., and to this union, one son was born. She was preceded in death by her husband on June 5, 2009; her parents, Lloyd and Wildreth; her brother, Richard W. Marsden on June 22, 2023; her sister, Judy French on June 25, 2022.

On February 28, 1962, at St. Louis, Elizabeth entered into active federal service in the Army of the United States and served until August 9, 1963, when she was honorably discharged at Arlington Hall Station, Arlington, Virginia, at the rank of Private First Class. A woman of excellent character, Elizabeth's "Honorable Discharge" is a testimonial of honest and faithful service to her country.

During her working life, she had been employed by Bank of America, The State Bank of Dixon, and the Dixon Dime Store in the late 80's.  Betty was very active in the community where she was a member of the Dixon Chamber of Commerce, the Oak Hills Country Club, where she served on the board, spent countless hours working on Cow Days, and she and her husband started the Washington DC trip for the Dixon youth that still continues to date.

Betty always wanted Dixon to prosper and served as the first woman Mayor of Dixon from April 1991 until April of 1995 as well as serving as Ward I Council Woman from 1997 until 1999 and 2013 until 2015.

She enjoyed fishing and camping on the Gasconade River, spending time with her friends and family. She took great pride in working on her yard, flowers, and garden. She enjoyed taking long walks in town every day; stopping to talk with whomever she encountered. She was always available to help anyone in any way she could. Betty loved being a grandmother to her girls and enjoyed cooking for her family and friends.

Those left to cherish the memory of Betty include: Her son, Shayne McPherson and wife, Teresa, Waynesville; granddaughters, Alexandrea McPherson and Abigail McPherson both of Waynesville; two great-grandchildren, Laney and Leah; one brother, Bud Marsden and wife, Grace, state of Texas; many nephews and nieces; and other relatives and friends.

A memorial gathering will be held for Betty from 4:00 p.m. until 7:00 p.m., Wednesday, April 3, 2024 in the Dixon Elementary School Gym,  South Walnut Street, Dixon, Missouri 65459.  Arrangements are under the direction of the Birmingham-Martin Funeral Home, Dixon.

In lieu of flowers memorials are suggested to the Dixon Community Scholarship Fund, with envelopes available at the Dixon Elementary School Gym or in care of Birmingham-Martin Funeral Home, P.O. Box EE, Dixon, Missouri 65459.