of Marianna, AR
December 11, 1930 - February 13, 2021
Betty Sue Harris Kell, age 90, passed away peacefully on February 13, 2021. She was born in Sheridan, Arkansas, on December 11, 1930, to Lida and Marvin Harris. She was the youngest of three daughters who were extremely close while growing up and throughout their adulthood. Her family was a musically minded family which began her love of music.
Betty Sue graduated from Sheridan High School where she was a cheerleader and, in the band,where she played the clarinet. Betty Sue and her sisters also sang together in an ensemble known as "The Harris Sisters". She attended Arkansas Tech University and graduated from the University of Arkansas. While Betty Sue was at Arkansas Tech, she was in the choir, band and selected as beauty queens for two student organizations. At the University of Arkansas, she was a member of Zeta Tau Alpha Epsilon Chapter. Betty Sue, also, obtained a master's degree from Arkansas State University. During her career she was an English and Speech teacher, before then becoming a Guidance Counselor. She was in education throughout the Marianna School District for 34 years and absolutely loved making an impact in young people's lives through teaching. She was a beloved teacher, mentor and friend to many students in Marianna and Lee County. She maintained a strong presence in many of her students' lives long after they graduated and always enjoyed being included in their high school reunions, as well as other milestones they celebrated.
Betty Sue met her husband, Wilson Kell, at Arkansas Tech and they were married in Sheridan in 1951. He was the love of her life and they set the ideal example of a loving and respectful marriage. Betty Sue and Wilson moved to Marianna in 1953 and quickly became entrenched in the community. She was a faithful member of the First United Methodist Church from 1953 until her death. She was a member of the chancel choir and later directed the choir. Also, she led the youth choir for 20 years which was a huge source of pride for her and her children. She was a charter member of Chapter AW in P.E.O. and remained very active for years.
Betty Sue volunteered as the Student Council sponsor for many years and served on the National Board of Student Councils. She was a two term President of the Arkansas Counselor's Association and a staff member for Camp Couchdale, a national leadership camp. In 1994, Betty Sue and Wilson were both named Marianna's Chamber of Commerce Citizens of the Year. An award that was traditionally given to an individual each year, they were honored as a couple because of the impact they both had in numerous aspects of the town. Over the years, Betty Sue volunteered in numerous political campaigns including her husband's, Wilson, who served on the Marianna City Council for 43 years.
Betty Sue, affectionately known as "BB" to her family after becoming a grandmother, always demonstrated unconditional love and wisdom to her children and grandchildren. She loved to entertain, laugh and have fun! Known for her quick wit, she maintained her strong faith and sense of humor even during her final days in Hospice.
Betty Sue is survived by her devoted husband of 69 years, Wilson Kell, daughter, Cindy Shenep (Jim), of Little Rock and son, Bert Kell of Rogers. She is survived by five grandchildren, Christopher Shenep (fiance, Claire Barton), Kell Shenep (Laci), Stuart Shenep all of Little Rock, Courtney Becton (Dr. Trey) of Fayetteville, and Maggie Kell (fiance, Brandon Droy) of Rogers. Betty Sue was very proud of her great grandchildren, Sofie Shenep, Wilson Becton and soon to arrive, Ella Sue Shenep. Betty Sue was also survived by numerous nieces and nephews who adored her. She was preceded in death by both parents, her sisters, Marvia Nan Springer and Russell Eubanks and her daughter-in-law, Gina Marie Kell.
A graveside service will be held on February 27, 2021, at 11:00 AM at Marianna Memorial Park. It will be followed by a memorial service at 1:00 at the First United Methodist Church in Marianna. Everybody will be required to follow all Covid-19 guidelines. For those who can't attend, the service will be shown live on First United Methodist Church of Marianna Facebook Page. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to First United Methodist Church, 59 South Poplar Street, Marianna, Arkansas, 72360.