of Shirley, AR
March 13, 1948 - January 2, 2021
It has been said that parents keep trying until they have the perfect child. After five attempts, including a set of twins, Clyde ''Bear ''and Clem Brown achieved perfection on March 13, 1948, on the day Betty Sue Brown was born. Betty grew up in the town of Shirley surrounded by her three brothers and three sisters. Betty gained her home in heaven on January 2, 2021.
Betty loved the community - especially Shirley School. After she completed college in 1969, Betty returned to Shirley to be discovered riding her bicycle through town by superintendent, Glen Hackett. He asked if she was that Brown girl who had just finished college. She responded she was. He asked her if she wanted a job teaching school. Betty responded that she would have to ask her daddy first. Mr. Hackett told her the job was hers if she wanted it. Bear approved and that became the start of a 42 year commitment to Shirley schools. She demanded hard work, but offered compassion for every student who sat in her classroom. Betty continued to support the Shirley Blue Devils and the students of this community with her attendance at basketball games, as well as many school sponsored events throughout her life.
Betty had a mischievous side to her as well. Students who had Betty as their teacher recall a hole in the chalkboard in her fifth grade classroom. She told a story how she had put that hole in the wall when she was in fifth grade due to being mad at a male classmate. She cautioned her students not to make her mad. While in college, Betty didn't have her own car. She told her parents her then boyfriend, Johnny Clark would drive her to college and pick her up. Actually, Betty would drive Johnny's car to school and keep it for the week. She had an ornery side that was rarely shown, but when seen it made for fun times.
In 1969, Betty Sue married John Clark, Jr., becoming Betty Clark and began many more life adventures.
Betty was an avid Arkansas Razorbacks fan, trying hard not to ever miss a football game. She was not a fair-weather fan. Betty attended no matter the success of the team or the weather. Evidence of her love of the Razorbacks was when she was seen on television sitting in the south end zone watching the five hour Ole Miss game in the lightning and rain.
Betty loved to travel. From family vacations with Johnny and the kids, to cruises with friends and family, and world tours to places like China, Australia, Africa and the Holy Land, Betty tried to see the world. It was often said that if the wheels were rolling Betty would join the trip.
When she wasn't globetrotting, most mornings Betty could be found at the HART Center in Fairfield Bay. She loved exercising and swimming with her workout friends.
Betty was a member of the Shirley United Methodist Church where she taught Sunday school, led singing, and produced and helped with the youth programs in the church for many years. She volunteered at the Clinton United Methodist Thrift Store and the Van Buren County Literacy Council.
Above all, Betty loved her family. She supported them no matter the activity or endeavor. Whether it be an event for a grandchild, niece or nephew, she could be found in the stands. She attended many sporting events, graduations, weddings, and vacations. No matter the distance, Betty rarely missed out. She especially enjoyed her time with her brothers, sisters and their families at the annual Thanksgiving, Christmas, and Easter holidays.
Betty was preceded in death by her husband John E. Clark, Jr., son CPL Matthew Evan Clark, parents Clyde and Clem Brown, sister Lou Ann Brown Ragsdale, in-laws John E. and Hazel Clark and Uncle Jim Clark, brothers-in-law Johnny Harper and Kenneth Ragsdale, sister-in-law Ann Brown.
She is survived by her daughter Rachael Clark Henderson (Blake) of Scott, Arkansas; son Dr. Nicholas Clark (Kristin) of Little Rock, Arkansas; three grandchildren, Matthew Evan Henderson, Emmeline Henderson, Ellison Clark, and a fourth grandchild due in February; three brothers, Clyde Benny Brown (Doris) of Shirley, Dr. Charles Brown (Jennetta) of Russellville and Fairfield Bay, Lane Brown of Marshall; two sisters, Jo Nan Harper of Shirley and Emma Hink (Dickie) of Clinton. Betty is also survived by a host of cousins, nieces, nephews, friends, and colleagues.
Hebrews 13:2 says, ''Do not forget to show hospitality to strangers, for by so doing some people have shown hospitality to angels without knowing it.'' Betty lived this daily. She was kind and loving beyond measure. Many have entertained angels unaware. For those who spent any time at all with Betty, you have been blessed to have entertained an angel.
Private family funeral services will be at Settlement Baptist Church in Shirley, Arkansas on Friday, January 8, 2021 at 2:00pm. The family will live stream to Facebook. Interment will follow at Bradford Cemetery in Shirley, Arkansas, the public is welcome to attend.
The family is hosting a drive thru memorial celebration Friday, January 8, 2021 from 5:30pm - 7:00pm at the Shirley High School Rotunda.
In lieu of flowers, donantion may be made to the Shirley Community Church.
To express condolences online visit www.rollerfuneralhomes.com/clinton
We are complying with the Arkansas Department of Health guidelines and limiting indoor funeral and visitation attendance to 66 percent of facility capacity at one time. All attendees must provide and wear their own masks before entering.
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69 Condolence(s)
tommy and Judy Collins
Wednesday, January 13, 2021
We are so sorry for your loss. Betty was loved by all.
Kay (Geer) Weaver
Sunday, January 10, 2021
Ms Betty was one of the first people we met when we moved to Arkansas
She was Marty Geer’s first teacher. She was a good friend to our family
She will be missed
Tracy Cooley
Friday, January 8, 2021
We are so sorry to hear of Mrs. Clark’s passing. She was a wonderful school teacher and friend. I always enjoyed visiting with her about her travels. Our thoughts and prayers are with you all.
Susan (Sowers) Stone
Friday, January 8, 2021
My condolences to all of the family. Hugs to you all. 🌹Rest in peace Betty ðŸ™ðŸ»
Leslie Lovenstein
Friday, January 8, 2021
Rachael and family,
Your mother is one special lady—anybody could tell that just by meeting her and knowing you. She has left behind such a legacy and so many special memories, and we know she is your angel now. We pray that you will have strength, peace, and comfort until you meet again.
Love,
The Lovensteins
Joey Sowell
Friday, January 8, 2021
Sorry for your loss Nick, Raechal and to all the family. During the day growing up I had to call her Mrs. Clark but after school i stayed with Nick more days than can ever remeber and Betty was like a second mom. She was a wonderful woman, teacher, and most all mother. It saddens me how the world is today and sorry I have not got to talk to you Nick or Rachael. I love you and she will always be missed.
Alice Chambers
Friday, January 8, 2021
I’m so sorry for your loss. Betty was a wonderful woman, I enjoyed getting to know her during our years of water exercise at the Hart Center. She always had a smile and positive outlook. She will be sorely missed.
Beverly Watts
Friday, January 8, 2021
All of us were blessed to have her touch our lives. Heaven is celebrating their new angel and God met Betty with open arms and said, " Job well done".
Irwin, Jan and Brandi Vandygfiff
Thursday, January 7, 2021
Our thoughts and prayers are with you. Betty was a really special lady and we feel so blessed that we had the honor of knowing her. We thank God for all the ways she impacted others. Rest in peace, Betty. You're in His arms now.
Sue Bradford Wallace
Thursday, January 7, 2021
I am sadden to hear of Betty passing. She was beautiful. She came from an extraordinary family. They are and we’re wonderful people. Rest In Peace. You will never be forgotten.
Tim Chance
Wednesday, January 6, 2021
Rachel, I am so sorry to hear about the passing of your mom. I met her a couple of times throughout college and working with you. She was a lovely lady and loved her family dearly.
Donna Ward Norman
Wednesday, January 6, 2021
Betty has always been my life long best friend. Betty, Emma and me have such sweet memories.
Bear and Clem always took us on Sunday afternoon drives. Bear would stop at a store and told Betty and me to get whatever snacks we wanted. We had lots of chocolate candy and cokes. Loved Clem's cooking and ate there a lot.
Betty had an awesome heart and beautiful Spirit.
I pray and love all of you in Betty's family. I am so sorry you are all hurting so bad.
I love you Betty and will miss you!!!
Nancy Hensley
Wednesday, January 6, 2021
Rachel, Nick, and family. Blessings and God's grace to all of you at this time.
Nancy Hensley
Rose Teer
Wednesday, January 6, 2021
I am so sorry for your loss. Betty will be greatly missed.
Kathy Napier
Wednesday, January 6, 2021
I love Betty so much. I remember her always smiling. I was around 10 and I got to stay at the Brown’s home for a week. The Brown’s home was the most exciting place to be in Shirley. Betty and Johnny were dating then and they let me go on their dates with them while I was there! You’d think that they would have been mortified having me along... but they were so great.
As I said - I remember Betty always smiling with her laughter enriching every one it reached. This is a great loss.
Deen Bradford
Wednesday, January 6, 2021
My deepest sympathy to the Clark and Brown families. May God be with the families during this difficult time.
Paul, Candace and Ben Smith
Wednesday, January 6, 2021
We are so sorry for your loss.
Mrs. Clark as she will always be to me was such a wonderful lady. She has been an important influence for me all my life, from family friend to teacher. She taught my Sunday school class for many years and was also my 4th grade teacher. She was truly the best teacher I ever had and did so much for me. I was so happy when we found out that Ben had for his 6th grade math. I remember we were talking one day and she mentioned it was time for her to retire, Ben was in the 2nd grade at the time and I said o no I want you to wait until Ben gets through. She responded with her laugh and said "I don't know if I want to stay that much longer" I am so grateful she did. Ben absolutely loved Ms. Clark and after he got into high school and even college he made many comments how lucky he was to have had Ms. Clark for 6th grade math, she had really gave him a good foundation. You are all in our prayers
Patricia Sullivan
Wednesday, January 6, 2021
I was so sad to hear that Betty had passed away. We had some great times together over the years and I offer my deepest condolences to her family.
Patty
Jo Nell Warren
Wednesday, January 6, 2021
I always loved when Betty played bridge with us and when she was at the Methodist Thrift Store. She was a wonderful person to be around. She will be missed by so many. I will be keeping her family in my prayers.
Angela Smith
Tuesday, January 5, 2021
A very sweet lady that was always smiling and friendly. She will be missed and my condolences for the family.
Dawna and Dick Parker
Tuesday, January 5, 2021
To Nick and Rachel,
Our thoughts and prayers are with you. Betty was so special and a second mom to Brent. She inspired us to keep traveling!! You were both so blessed to have had such a wonderful mom who will always be watching over your families with love!
Dick and Dawna Parker
Angie Standridge
Tuesday, January 5, 2021
I was sad to hear that Betty had passed, she was a sweet Lady , Every time we seen each other we would have stop and talk about our kids and grandkids she loved them so much . Prayers and Love Rachael , Nick and family .
Nancy Campbell
Tuesday, January 5, 2021
I was blessed to have Betty as a cousin and I am so glad we reconnected four years ago at The Homecoming. We spent a lot of time together that week and those are the memories I will have of Betty. She really was a very special person.
Gary and Louise Farwell
Tuesday, January 5, 2021
Louise and I are so very saddened. Our heartfelt condolences are extended to Mrs Clark’s lovely grandchildren, children, family and friends. We have grown very fond of Betty and her family. We have shared the joy of watching her family grow and develop. We are connected by life’s blessings and the tragedy of losing our sons while serving their country. Betty you and your family are forever in our hearts.
Pam and Stan Murray
Tuesday, January 5, 2021
We send our deepest sympathy to Rachel and Nick and all of Betty’s family. Her smiling face will be missed around Shirley and at the ballgames. I know she was so proud of her kids and grandkids, and just loved spending time with them. She left a legacy at Shirley!
Leroy Goodnight
Tuesday, January 5, 2021
God Bless
Judy
Tuesday, January 5, 2021
I was saddened at the loss of Betty. Sending my love to the family. Betty was a sweet lady. God Bless each of you, Judy Ivie
Jewel James Eady
Tuesday, January 5, 2021
My heartfelt sympathy to the Clark and Brown families on the loss of a special lady.
Dean and Martha May
Tuesday, January 5, 2021
Rachael, Nickolas, and family:
Dean and I were saddened to learn of Betty's passing. She was a wonderful lady and friend. We know losing her has been devastating and words are inadequate to express our condolences. Please know, that we are thinking about all of you and praying for peace and comfort during this difficult time. Sending our deepest sympathy. Love, Dean and Martha May
Angie (Goddard) England
Tuesday, January 5, 2021
My heart goes out to all the family and friends of Betty, Mrs. Clark as so many students know her as. She is someone that touched so many people in the town of Shirley. She will be greatly missed. Sending prayers out to her family and many friends.
Mike and Marietha Leonard
Tuesday, January 5, 2021
We were so blessed to know Betty for the short time I served the church in Shirley. Always looked forward to seeing her come through the church doors on Sunday morning. The last words she spoke to us was one of encouragement as we were moving away and leaving the church. Such a loss of such a great lady. May God confort the family. May we be an encourage to one another as she did everyone she touched.
Jacob Sisson
Tuesday, January 5, 2021
Prayers to this wonderful family during this time.
Debbie whillock
Tuesday, January 5, 2021
I have sat through a few ballgames with Betty. Such a sweet lady. My heart breaks for her family. I can only imagine how hard it is for Emma whom I love dearly. All of the family will be in my thoughts and prayers.
Debbie
Bob and Lynne Caldwell
Tuesday, January 5, 2021
Thoughts and prayers for all of you!! Earth’s great loss is Heaven’s beautiful gain!!!
Ursel Epsom
Tuesday, January 5, 2021
I got to know Betty at the heart center and right away felt drawn to her.
After I had surgery I mentioned that I would like to go to Conway but was not up for driving.
Betty offered right away to take me and I was amazed because we didn't really know each other that well.
On that drive she told me about loosing her son Matthew.
I too lost a son at that age and it bonded us.
We understood how hard certain days were thinking of our sons.
Im just so very sad that Betty didn't get to know her fourth grandchild. I know she was excited.
My thoughts and Prayers are with her family knowing how much she will be missed.
She was a very special lady and I will miss our little chats.
Janie McGuire Palmer
Tuesday, January 5, 2021
My heart goes out to you Rachel, Nicholas, your families, and extended family. There are no words that can touch what you all are currently feeling. Hold each other close and carry the sweet memories of your time together as a family. May God shed His loving grace upon you now and in the days to come. Please know that you are in my prayers.
Rodney and Teresa Haney
Tuesday, January 5, 2021
Rachel and Nick,
We are so heartbroken. Your mother was a dear friend and touched so many lives during hers. She loved you deeply and was so proud of you and your precious children. You are in our prayers.
Jay and Judy Berry
Tuesday, January 5, 2021
Our thoughts and prayers are with the family. I enjoyed talking with her at the Hart Center. And ballgames.
Rebecca Giannini
Tuesday, January 5, 2021
This is such a sad occasion for all who knew Betty. Extending deepest condolences to all her family and friends.
Becky Giannini
Roger JONES
Tuesday, January 5, 2021
Peace and God Blessings be with family,
Very special women will be sorely missed.
Brenda Ramsey Mize
Tuesday, January 5, 2021
Rachael, Nick and family I am so sorry to hear about your Mom. She left such a legacy for your community and school. I know later in years you will hear she was my favorite teachers. You all are in my prayers.
Nicki Hickman
Tuesday, January 5, 2021
I met Betty under tragic circumstances. We shared the grief only mothers understand. She was an awesome woman. She had so much love to give. Betty was so caring and you could see the devotion she had toward her family and friends. Betty is truly an inspiration to all that met her. Betty, you will be missed for sure. God Bless Your Family during this difficult time. Our heartfelt Prayers to all.
Joyce Bradford
Tuesday, January 5, 2021
A few weeks ago Betty and I was sitting together at a basketball game at Shirley. (Of course we had our masks on) I asked Betty a question, she said what I repeated again, she “said I can’t hear with this mask on†chuckle . ( To know Betty was to love her). With deepest sympathy,
Heather Bradley
Tuesday, January 5, 2021
I couldn't believe it when Uncle Jimmy texted me to tell me sweet Mrs. Betty was gone. She was the best teacher I ever had. She will be greatly missed by all who knew her. Our deepest sympathies to all. Much love from Tennessee!
-Kathy Bradley
-Heather Bradley & sons
-Amber Bradley Holt and family
Joe Norris
Tuesday, January 5, 2021
Many great memories of Johnny, Betty & the kids. My heartfelt condolences to the family
Stephanie Lawrence
Tuesday, January 5, 2021
Nick, Rachael, and family,
I am so saddened to hear of Betty's passing. Betty was always so kind and good to me. I always looked up to Betty because of the way she took care of my cousin Johnny. Every time I saw her she always had a smile and we would visit. Mom and I visited the other night remembering Aunt Hazel, Uncle John, your dad and Matthew. One thing I do know is Betty loved her family. Words will not change the loss or pain... You are in my thoughts and prayers in the days to come. May God provide you comfort and peace. If we can do anything please let us know. Sympathy from the Lawrence family.
Dora Gail Bramlett
Tuesday, January 5, 2021
I was so saddened to hear of Betty’s passing. We both attended school about the same time, she was classmate of one of my brothers. Then I went back to Shirley for grandparents day and she was my grandson’s teacher. She was always the same smiling and so easy going. I will miss her.
Deborah Kerrigan
Tuesday, January 5, 2021
I am heartbroken at the news of Betty's untimely passing. She taught my children in school and I had the privilege of being her babker at Shirley First Service. She was always headed somewhere and we always talked of her travels she spoke of them with so much enthusiasm. She spoke of the grandbabies with so much love. Rachel , Nick and all of her extended family my heartfelt condolences and prayers go out to each and every one of you!
Tonya Bowie
Tuesday, January 5, 2021
I am so very sorry for your loss. I have such wonderful memories of Mrs Clark from my 3rd grade year as her student all the way through school. My prayers for the family during this time.
Mary Canino Pedersen
Tuesday, January 5, 2021
Rachael and Nicholas,
My sincere condolences on the loss of your Mother. She was loved by so many in the community as well as her loving family. I worked many years with your Dad in the bank and knew your Mother through those years. My prayers and thoughts are with you now.
Courtney Bowie
Tuesday, January 5, 2021
Beautifully written! Prayers for everyone.
Deb Swink
Tuesday, January 5, 2021
My sincere condolences to Betty's family and friends! I consider myself lucky to have worked with Betty at Shirley and got to see her extraordinary teaching and loving commitment to all students. Betty will never be forgotten by those who knew and loved her. God Speed!
Diana Jones
Tuesday, January 5, 2021
Heartwarming sympathy to the family of Betty. Truly special person that lived among us in this little community. For sure she will be missed. I admired her zest for adventure.
RICKEY BONDS
Tuesday, January 5, 2021
My deepest sympathies to Betty's family and loved ones. A good life cut short. Betty was a beautiful example of grace and love. I loved to see her travel pics and the interaction with her big family. God bless you all with peace and comfort in your memories of this wonderful lady.
Lauri Mullenax
Tuesday, January 5, 2021
Aunt Betty you were certainly one of a kind, a angel among us and always had a smile on your face. My many thoughts & prayers are with Jo Nan, Emma, Benny, Rachel & the rest of the family during this difficult time. May God hold each of you in His loving arms for comfort & healing.
Roger and Diana Goodwin
Tuesday, January 5, 2021
So very sorry to hear of your loss. I know it will be tough without her. Your family is considered a foundation of Shirley. Thought and prayers will be with you
Dayna Collard
Tuesday, January 5, 2021
Clark family,
My deepest sympathy for your loss of Mrs. Clark. She was one of my favorite teachers. She will be greatly missed in the community.
God bless each of you!
Wendy henderson
Tuesday, January 5, 2021
Mrs Betty was a wonderful woman. She will be missed everywhere. Praying for her sweet family
Pauline Blough and Kay Branscum
Tuesday, January 5, 2021
Our thoughts and prayers are with the family during this time. Betty always had a beautiful smile and a big heart .
Ron Maxwell
Tuesday, January 5, 2021
On behalf of myself, my mother Jackie (Betty’s first cousin), and my sisters, Jan and Misti, we want to say how very sorry we are about this untimely loss of Betty. We can all recall many good times in Shirley with Betty and the extended Brown family, especially just sitting on the front porch of Uncle Bear’s house catching up on the local gossip. Betty was always a sweet, caring person who loved life and her extended family. She also got that “Privitt girl†sense of wanderlust and was ready to travel at the drop of a hat. She valued education, her church, her students and especially her family and friends. She will be greatly missed by us all.
Verna Hicks
Tuesday, January 5, 2021
Words just cannot express my heartbreak on losing Betty, a good friend and travel buddy. She was a dear, sweet lady who was always up for the next adventure. Betty and her sister, Emma, joined other friends and me for several cruises: The Caribbean, Panama, Hawaii, Puerto Rico and the "Saints" and even a Rock and Roll cruise. We shall miss her wry humor and easy going manner... and those fun card games on sea days... Every time I saw her at the Hart Center, we would laugh about the last trip we had taken and start planning the next one.
Last January, I joined Betty and Emma on the ride down to Galveston for a Caribbean cruise. On the way home, we got hungry and decided to stop at Taco Bell. None of us did fast food very often and we laughed and laughed at how good the food was and that it really hit the spot. Such good, fun times with Betty. Oh, I shall miss them.
My thoughts and prayers go to Emma and Betty's family. May God bless and give you comfort at this sad time.
Dixie Carter
Tuesday, January 5, 2021
I'm very sad at the loss of Betty. She will be missed. I knew Betty at the Hart Center, at the UMW Thrift Store, and at the many Lenten suppers we would have with our churches. I saw great strength in her and her friendliness was always warm and comforting. I hold my dear friend, Emma, in close prayers because I love her dearly and I know what it means to lose a sister. They were so very close. Betty is in the arms of God and with her wonderful husband and son.
Lisa Gardner
Tuesday, January 5, 2021
Heaven has certainly gained an angel. Mrs. Clark was my teacher and a wonderful person. I can still hear her laughing, which she did so often. Condolences to her family.
Raye Jean Linn
Tuesday, January 5, 2021
My heart was broken when Kelly texted me the news. I thought so much of Betty—she was a sweet and kind person and I am proud to call her my friend. Prayers for all of you for peace and comfort in the days ahead.
Russ Phillips
Tuesday, January 5, 2021
Ms. Clark was one of my few favorite teachers. A great loss for Shirley. My deepest sympathies to her family and community.
Tonya Bates
Tuesday, January 5, 2021
I will always treasure my memories of Mrs. Betty Clark. She always wore a smile on her face and truly cared about everyone. She was a very special woman and was very loved and respected. Much love and prayers to Rachael and Nicholas and their families.
Susan Trent
Monday, January 4, 2021
Dr Clark, sending my thoughts and prayers for God’s comfort for you and all your family members at this difficult time of loss!
Brenda Lewis
Monday, January 4, 2021
I am so sorry for your loss, and pray God will give you strength and peace during this time.
Bonnie Tietjen
Monday, January 4, 2021
To family of Betty,
I remember the Brown kids when we used to visit Uncle Ches & Aunt Essie Simpkins (my daddy's uncle) and we played with those kids and had lots of fun. So sorry for your loss.
May you find peace and comfort In the days ahead as you remember your little sister.
Love and Prayers
Bonnie Tietjen (Johnson)