of Marshall, AR
August 23, 1929 - December 16, 2020
Betty Jean Keeling Harris, age 91, of Marshall, Arkansas passed from this life on Wednesday, December 16, 2020 at Highland Court Nursing Home in Marshall. She was born to Benjamin Franklin Keeling and Cena Pearl Yarbrough Keeling of the Tomahawk community, near St. Joe, Arkansas on August 23, 1929. In 1949, she married Doy Harris of Marshall and then resided in the Canaan-Bear Creek community the rest of her life.
Survivors are sons, Danny (Rita) of Conway, AR and Marshall and Jerry Joe (Cindy Slay) of Marshall; sister, Ernestine Keeling Hillis (John) of Little Rock; grandchildren Kristen Harris of Bellingham, WA, Lauren Harris Ashley (Andy) of Heber Springs, AR, Halen Harris (Kayla) of Marshall and Josie Harris of Harrison; great grandchildren Miley and Makenna Harris of Marshall and Anna and Slayton Ashley of Heber Springs and nieces Kim Hillis of Little Rock and Dr. Nancy Hillis of Santa Cruz, CA.
She was preceded in passing by her husband, Doy Harris; parents, Ben and Pearl Keeling and brother, Paul Ray Keeling.
Betty was a homemaker, deriving great joy and interest in cooking, gardening, politics and genealogy of which she had a vast knowledge. Before that, she was employed for several years by the USDA in the Searcy County ASC (now NRCS) Office in Marshall. She was for many years a member of the Canaan Missionary Baptist Church and the VFW Auxiliary. She was also a committed member of the Republican Party.
Graveside services will be 2:00 P.M. Sunday, December 20th at the Canaan Cemetery with Brother Shirl Williams and Bro. Brian Ragland officiating. Visitation will be at the gravesite immediately preceding the service from 1:30-2:00 P.M. Bearers will be Tom Keeling, Andy Ashley, Danny Bohannon, Rick Horton, Halen Harris and her sons.
Due to the Covid-19 pandemic we will be practicing social distancing and all attendees are asked to provide and wear face masks. We request that anyone with underlying health conditions to please refrain from attendance.
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28 Condolence(s)
Phyllis Bohannon(perryman)
Monday, February 1, 2021
So sorry for your lost. Betty was a very sweet lady. I remember her when i was a young girl my mom cleaned her house a few times. Prayers and thoughts to Betty family. Phyllis Bohannon (perryman)
Marjorie Jones
Friday, January 1, 2021
I met Betty at Highland Court, such a beautiful dear lady, brought smiles to so many people faces! I pray for comfort for her dear family.
Eddie & Pam Cannada
Tuesday, December 29, 2020
Our thoughts and prayers for each of you at this difficult time.
Glenda Griffith
Sunday, December 20, 2020
I am so very sorry for your loss. Betty was a very sweet lady. Prayers for you all.
JOHN ADAMS
Sunday, December 20, 2020
Danny and Jerry so sorry to hear of your mother, I have lots of memories of her your grandpa Ben and Grandma Pearl.
Janie Smith-Hughes
Saturday, December 19, 2020
My deepest condolences are with the family. I enjoy fond memories of visiting at Betty and Doy's house on Bear Creek ever since I can remember. She was usually working in the kitchen canning or cooking. She always had something made to share. Almost every time I saw her she would tell me the same funny story of something I said when I was 2 or 3 years old. I can still hear her voice and picture the smile on her face when she was telling it. Betty was always busy working in the garden, picking fruit, canning, working in politics, or genealogy. But, she always had time to help a neighbor or just visit. I have spent countless hours of my childhood with her and will miss her. I am thankful for the blessing she was to our family and for the opportunity to have her be part of my life.
Janie Smith-Hughes (daughter of Marion and Fannie Smith)
Fannie Smith
Saturday, December 19, 2020
I send my deepest sympathies to the family. Betty will be missed. For more than 50 years she was one of my closest friends and a neighbor on Bear Creek. I have many good memories of the times we spent together. I always enjoyed our visits. She was always a friend I could depend on. I regret that I can't be at the funeral service. I will miss her and her friendship.
Fannie Smith
James Daniel
Saturday, December 19, 2020
Danny Paul and Jerry Joe,
Doy and Betty were two of my favorite people. I share your sorrow.
Scotty, Shirley, and Rick jones
Saturday, December 19, 2020
We have wonderful memories of Betty...she is very much part of our famiily we well miss hersweet caring smile. She and our Mother, Obeta were alike in many ways. We we'll miss seeing her. So sorry we can not be there with you guys..Our prayers are with you. May GOD fill your hearts with His love.
Wesley Smith and Loretta
Saturday, December 19, 2020
Sorry to hear about Betty
Elaine and Doc Blair
Saturday, December 19, 2020
So sorry to hear of Betty’s passing. Prayers for your family at this time.
Shirley J. Gray
Friday, December 18, 2020
My Prayers are with Danny Paul, Jerry Joe and all of their families. I have known Betty ALL my life and I know she will be missed! Betty was a very special lady. Betty and Doy are together again.
Eddie and Kathy Morrison
Friday, December 18, 2020
We are so sorry to hear about Betty. She was a very nice hardworking person. We send you all our deepest sympathy and prayers. Eddie & Kathy Morrison, Love you all.
Mazie Lee
Friday, December 18, 2020
Another good friend and loving Sister in Christ............ has now left us with sad feelings but rejoicing in the hope that she is where all is well and a beautiful home now. I will miss her and I pray for the family for comfort and may they have many good memories. I know I will always remember her and the love she had for Ronnie and me and she truly showed her love for God.
Jack & Edna Treat
Friday, December 18, 2020
So sorry for your loss. Our thoughts and prayers are with the family.
Rick and Janice Horton
Friday, December 18, 2020
Danny Paul and Jerry Jo...We are so very sorry for the loss of your mother...she was a special friend to everyone in the Canaan community. She was so knowledgeable about so many things and had so many interests...antiques, history, politics, cooking. I loved having discussions with her and picking her brain about a multitude of things. Our condolences and prayers are with both of you.
Robert and Cathy Jane Toney
Friday, December 18, 2020
Sorry to hear about your mother. You all are in our thoughts and prayers.
Claudia Hastings
Friday, December 18, 2020
I am so sorry for your loss. I will definitely miss being able to call her up and discuss our family history. She knew a lot about them. She must have listened intently when her parents shared family history. And she didn't forget a thing. Betty was a very special person; sharp as a tack. I always enjoyed visiting with her and her knowledge of our ancestors. I printed her obituary and will take it, and my book, back to the printers and have them put it in my Stone Cemetery book which was published today 12/18/2020. It will be the last entry! I loved her and her parents very much! My thoughts and prayers will be with the family in the days ahead as they grieve their loss. Very sad times!
Billy and Martha Drewry
Friday, December 18, 2020
So very sorry! Love and prayers for your family
Beverly & Jimmylynn Horton
Friday, December 18, 2020
So sorry for your loss. Prayers for you and your family.
Mike and Roberta Pack
Friday, December 18, 2020
Danny Paul, Jerry Joe and families,
So sorry to hear about your mom. Our thoughts are with you during this difficult time.
Peggy Kelley Ragland
Friday, December 18, 2020
Danny Paul & Jerry Joe, I am so sorry about your Mom ! She was a special person to many people. My prayers are with you & the family at this most difficult time. With Love, Peggy Kelley
James and Leada Horton
Friday, December 18, 2020
Sorry to hear about Ms Betty. Loved her and we know she will be missed. Our thoughts and prayers are with all the family.
Sarah Younger
Friday, December 18, 2020
Betty was a very special person. We shared lots of good stories mostly about our mutual family. She should have written a book . We all loved her very much. She will definitely be missed. My heart is so sad 😥â¤ï¸
Mike Harris
Friday, December 18, 2020
I am sorry for your loss. My thoughts and prayers are with all the family and friends during this time.
Coy & Sue Horton
Friday, December 18, 2020
Our sympathy and prayers to the family. Ms Betty had a vast knowledge of history of Searcy County. She will be missed.
Cindy Ragland
Friday, December 18, 2020
She was a very lady
Albert & Anna Maze
Friday, December 18, 2020
Sorry for the loss of your Mother. Your families are in our thoughts and prayers at this difficult time.