Beatrice Ristom Katool

Beatrice Ristom Katool, 95, passed away on June 2, 2026, at her home in Jackson, Mississippi. A first-generation citizen of the United States, Bea was born on November 9, 1930, in Greenwood, Mississippi to Joseph Asper Ristom from Syria and Nazira Dahdah Ristom from Lebanon. Bea lived there, along with her brother, Raymond, until she graduated from Greenwood High School. She moved to New Orleans to attend Dominican College, and on April 19, 1952, Bea married Alfred Katool and began her 74-year career as a loving wife, mother, grandmother and great-grandmother.

An integral part of her family, church and community, Bea became a member of Saint Richard of Chichester Catholic Church in 1960 when she and Alfred moved into their home in Jackson, Mississippi. Activities she particularly cherished at the church were being a member of Assumption Church Circle and helping plan events for Young At Heart. She was also a longtime member of the Saint Dominic Hospital Auxiliary, serving on numerous committees. Her Lebanese heritage was very important to her, and she was a member of the Southern Federation of Syrian Lebanese Clubs where she served on the Scholarship Committee. In 1995 the organization named her Woman of the Year.

Her greatest achievement was her devotion to her family. From being a Cub Scout Troop Leader to being a Homeroom Mom, Bea was an important part of each child’s life. Every birthday, achievement, or event for each family member was celebrated, and almost every Sunday was marked by family gathering around the table for a delicious meal that featured a combination of southern and Lebanese cuisine prepared with expert culinary talent and love. Many guests filled the dining room over the years sharing stories, laughter, and Bea’s delicious meals.

Preceded in death by her parents and brother, she is survived by her husband of 74 years, Alfred Joseph Katool, and her four children, Alfred (Christina), Norman (Angela), Jennifer, and Joey (Madeline). Known as both Mama Bea and the Arabic version of grandmother, Sittie, she was dearly loved by ten grandchildren, Kahlil (Calissa) Katool, Jordan (Jodain) Massad, Paul Katool, Joseph Katool, Joe (Sara Brady) Katool, Helen Mary Katool, Stuart Gregory, Nathan Gregory (Adrianne), Clayton Gregory, and Stephen Gregory. Five great-grandchildren, Logan Neifert, Phoenix Massad, Griffin Massad, Lelia Katool and Iris Beatrice Massad also have treasured memories of her.

Visitation will be at Saint Richard of Chichester Catholic Church from 10:00 am – 12:00 Noon, on Saturday, June 6, followed by a Funeral Mass of Resurrection officiated by Father Joe Tonos. Burial will follow at Parkway Memorial Cemetery. Pallbearers include Paul Katool, Thomas Elzen, Andrew Jones, Rich Green, George Holmes, Douglas Thomas, Preston Dowell and Walker Dowell.

The family would like to extend their appreciation to Mary Brown, Shelby McKelvain, and Mrs. G for their kindness, compassion and expert care provided to “Mama Bea.” In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to Saint Richard’s Catholic School, 4261 I-55 North, Jackson, MS. 39206, or with checks made out to Southern Federation Foundation and mailed to Southern Federation Foundation Scholarship Committee, C/o Bretagne Abirached, 2501 Loyola Lane, Austin, TX 78723.