of Searcy, AR

August 30, 1928 - April 8, 2021

Betty Jean Smith Lankford, age 92, of Searcy, Arkansas received her crown of life April 8, 2021. She was born in Minden, Louisiana on August 30, 1928. She was preceded in death by her parents, William Earl and Edith Richeson Smith and a brother J.V. Smith all of Minden.

Left to cherish her memory are her husband, Jim, of 61 years, A son, Jim Jr (Renee) of Searcy, a daughter Mary Ann Bolin (David) of Searcy, 3 grandchildren, Brooke Elizabeth Strasser (Matt) of Russellville, Lauren Ashton Bolin of Searcy and Jacob Allen Lankford of Searcy. She is also survived by her little ''precious'' great granddaughter, Maren Nicole Strasser.

Betty graduated from Louisiana Tech in 1950 with a BA degree. She taught for 10 years in Springhill, LA and 22 years at Southwest Middle School in Searcy. She was well known for having all of her students memorize all of the verbs and many students comment that they still remember them to this day. She retired for the occasion of her firstborn grandchild and of course to help with the other grandchildren that followed.

Betty was a member of the volunteer auxiliary at unity hospital from 2002 until present having given for than 10,000 hours of volunteer service. She is a member of the West Side Church of Christ here in Searcy. Betty enjoyed traveling and her and Jim experienced some very interesting trips such as retracing Jim's steps that he took while serving in WWII in Germany. They toured the northeast and northwest states, Hawaii, and Canada. They also cruised to Alaska which they really enjoyed. But she most enjoyed her times with her family at the family farm and always looked forward to a good old country farm breakfast.

Visitation will be Monday April 12, 2021 at 9:00 am with the funeral to follow at 10:30 am at the West Side church of Christ building. Interment will be at Oak Grove cemetery in Searcy. In lieu of flowers the family request that donations be made to the American Heart Association or a charity of your choice. The family would also like to thank the Westside church family as well as all of the friends who have reached out by phone calls, cards, visits, and prayers. We would also like to especially thank Dr. Katherine Durham and Julie Pate for their love and compassion in treating Betty and helping her and her family through this difficult journey.

Obituary Provided By:
Roller-Daniel Funeral Home
411 East Race Avenue
Searcy, AR  72145
www.rollerfuneralhomes.com