Bettye Jean Ward

August 8, 1937 - March 22, 2021

Bettye Jean Ward previously of Marion AR passed into the loving arms of her Lord and Savior on March 22, 2021.
Bettye was born in Osceola, AR on August 8, 1937 to John and Ollie Ann Hendon. Bettye was one of 7 siblings. She grew up in Dyess, AR and went to Dyess High School where she met the love of her life, the late Tommy Ray Ward, affectionately known as ''Big Tom''. They married on September 8, 1955. In their early marriage they lived in various places including Arkansas and Michigan as well as, Albuquerque, New Mexico. They first settled in NM where they worked side by side and ran a restaurant. It was also there that they were blessed with 2 sons, Tommy and Jeffrey. They moved to Marion, AR in 1973, where they established their roots, raised their sons and made a life of serving others.

She was lifelong member of First Baptist church in WM where she served on committees, worked in daycare, taught Sunday school and would lend a hand wherever she was needed. Bettye never met a stranger and wore many hats. She worked as an office assistant for many years until retirement when she became the loving and attentive caregiver for her precious mother that lived to 106 and passed in 2013. Bettye was an avid gardener and was a member of the Marion Red Hatters. Perhaps her greatest joy was when she became a Mimi. She did not miss an opportunity to spend time with her grand girls. They were the light of her life.

In 2017, they moved to Spring Hill, TN to be near their son and be able to have the care that they needed. While she always considered Marion as her home, she made quite an impression in the Assisted Living facility and ALWAYS introduced herself as ''Bad Bettye''. In true Bettye fashion, she was loved by all and the life of the party.

Bettye was predeceased by her loving husband Tommy Ray Ward; 3 brothers, JD Hendon, Charles Hendon and Bobby Hendon. She is survived by 2 sons, Tommy (Melissa) Ward II of Spring Hill, TN and Jeffrey (Martha) Ward of Aurora, IL. She was an adoring Mimi to her granddaughters Peyton Ward of Atlanta, GA, Jillian Ward and Natalie Ward of Spring Hill, TN. Also survived by 2 sisters, Mary Carson of CA and JoAnn Harris of AR and 1 brother, James Hendon of MS. She also leaves many Nieces, Nephews and friends that meant so much very much to her.

Roller-Citizens Funeral Home will be following guidelines issued by the Arkansas Department of Health and the CDC regarding COVID-19. Social distancing of at least six feet must be practiced and all funeral attendees must provide and wear their own mask.


Service Information
Visitation
Roller-Citizens Funeral Home Chapel
201 N Pine Street
West Memphis,  AR 72301
3/30/2021 at 10:30 AM
Service
Funeral Service
Roller-Citizens Funeral Home Chapel
201 N Pine Street
West Memphis,  AR 72301
3/30/2021 at 12:00 PM

Cemetery/Interment
Crittenden Memorial Park
2206 Highway 64 West
Marion, AR 72364
 


Obituary Provided By:
Roller-Citizens Funeral Home
201 North Pine Street
West Memphis, AR  72303
www.rollerfuneralhomes.com