of Jonesboro, AR
January 23, 1931 - May 9, 2012
Betty Jean Lawrence, 81, of Jonesboro, Arkansas passed away Wednesday, May 09, 2012 at Jonesboro. Mrs. Lawrence was born January 23, 1931 at Marvell, Arkansas to the late H.Z. ''Shorty'' Stephens and the late Lena Bass Stephens.
She is survived by two sons, Gary Lawrence of Jonesboro and Frank Lawrence, Jr. (Diane) of Memphis, Tennessee; a daughter, Susan Boddie (Jerry) of Seymour, Tennessee; eight grandchildren, Eli Nouri, Matt Ziegenhorn, Stephen Ziegenhorn, Stacey Caldwell, Brian Self, Canaan Boddie, Beth Rehrig and Stephanie Morgan; eleven great-grandchildren; one sister, Pat Ishmael of Helena, Arkansas; and a brother, Glenn Stephens, Sr. (Martha) of Bremen, Georgia.
She was preceded in death by her parents; her husband, Frank L. Lawrence, Sr.; and a daughter, Sharon Ziegenhorn.
Graveside services for Betty Lawrence will be held at 2 p.m., Saturday, May 12, 2012 at Maple Hill Cemetery in Helena. Visitation will be held prior to the service from 10 a.m. 12 p.m. at Roller-Citizens.
Services will be directed by Roller-Citizens Funeral Home, West Helena, (870) 572-2571.
I am sad for the loss of your sweet mother.
Mom,
I was completely numb the day we buried you and even put on a happy face and laughed and joked around with most everyone who came to see you off to your Heavenly Home. It's all a blur now really, but now that I'm home today, the reality has finally hit. Even tho we didnt see each other much after I remarried and left Helena, there was a comfort and security knowing you were there, but now there is a greater comfort knowing you are healthy and happy. Paulette's and Laurie's comments were perfect, and if I could come up with one word to describe you, Mom, it would be SELFLESS. You gave everything to everyone until you had nothing. I love you, Mom.
A wonderful friend gave me a card with the following words after your passing:
YOUR MOTHER IS ALWAYS WITH YOU
She's the whisper of the leaves as you walk down the street,
She's the smell of certain foods you remember, flowers you pick and perfume that she wore,
She's the cool hand on your brow when you're not feeling well,
She's your breath in the air on a cold winter's day,
She is the sound of the rain that lulls you to sleep....the colors of the rainbow....she is Christmas morning.
Your mother lives inside your laughter. And she's crystallized in every tear drop. A mother shows every emotion: happiness, sadness, fear, jealousy, love, hate, anger, helplessness, excitement, joy, sorrow....and all the while hopes and prays you will only know the good feelings in life. She's the place you came from, your first home, and she's the map you follow with every step you take. She's your first love, your first friend, even your first enemy, but nothing on earth can separate you. Not time, not space, not even death !
~Author Unknown~
Gary and Susan and family,
Sorry to hear of your Mother's death. We'll be thinking of you.
Rod and Judy Barrett
Susan,& Gary and families:
I am thinking of you all. SO sorry about Aunt Betty Jean.. I guess that is what I have always called her. I lived across the street from her when i was growing up. I read what Paulette said about taking in all of ya'lls friends and dogs and cats too. Well Betty did just that! I think i stayed over there more than at my own house! I remember she always asked me to stay and eat supper with you all, and i did most of the time! What a great cook and a GREAT LADY. SHe was just wonderul and caring. Paulette was right about another thing, I never heard her raise her voice, and believe me i think we did some things that should have made her do so!!!! Such fun memories over there on OHIO street!!!
I love you all and am praying for you.
Laurie
Gary, Susan and family.
I just wanted you to know how sorry I was about your Mother. She was a sweet person and I know she loved her family dearly.
You are in my thoughts.
Gary & family,
I am sorry to hear of your Mothers death. My prayers are with you and your family.
For those who might not have known her, my Aunt Betty Jean was one of the sweetest people you could ever meet. She befriended all of the friends that Gary, Sharon, and Susan would bring home, and the cats and dogs, too. I don't think I really ever heard her raise her voice or get angry. She took care of me when I moved here as if I were one of her own. She is in heaven now with my momma and Aunt Maggie. I know they welcomed her with open arms today.