Betty Sue Harris Kell

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Service Schedule
Graveside
Marianna Memorial Park
Hwy 79
Marianna, AR  72360
Saturday, February 27, 2021
11:00 A.M.
Betty Sue Harris Kell

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.

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12 Condolence(s)
Carolyn Kell
Swifton, AR
Liked
Saturday, August 7, 2021

Bert and Cindy
You know how I loved your Mother and
Daddy. We know they are in Heaven. I hope they have been with George,already.
Love all of your family

Alyce Doyel Hardee
Conway, AR
Liked
Saturday, March 6, 2021

Bert,

I am so very sorry about your mom. I am sending prayers that may God wrap his arms around you and your family and give you peace. Someone told me this when I lost mine, your mom is your biggest cheerleader. Your mom will be missed by many.

Francis Long
Fayetteville, AR
Liked
Friday, March 5, 2021

The Children of Earl and Lois (Casey) Long...Francis, Peaches, Patt and Ann note the passing of Betty and wish to express our sincere thoughts to you and your family at this time. Seems only a few days ago that you were visiting her at the U of A. Please accept our best wishes for the future and your continuing good health.

Mark and Sonya Murphy
Little Rock, AR
Liked
Sunday, February 28, 2021

Bert, Cindy and family, Our deepest condolences to the Kell family for your loss. May God bless.

Kenny Kilcrease
Marianna,
Liked
Saturday, February 27, 2021

We will miss you Betty Kell.🙏for you and your Family.Kenny

Mary Jones
Denton, TX
Liked
Wednesday, February 24, 2021

What a lovely, sophisticated, special teacher. She was such an inspiration to her students. We all loved and admired Mrs Kell. Will never forget her beautiful smile. Condolences to
Coach Kell and family.

Mary Watkins Jones

John & Lou Cree Schallhorn
DeWitt, AR
Liked
Wednesday, February 24, 2021

So sorry for your loss. We met your mother when Johnny was mayor of DeWitt in the 80’s at theArkansas Municipal League meetings. She was a lovely lady. She and your Dad were good representative’s for Marianna. Much love

John & Lou Cree Schallhorn
DeWitt, AR
Liked
Wednesday, February 24, 2021

So sorry for your loss. We met your mother when Johnny was mayor of DeWitt in the 80’s at theArkansas Municipal League meetings. She was a lovely lady. She and your Dad were good representative’s for Marianna. Much love

jerry key
jackson, TN
Liked
Tuesday, February 23, 2021

Mrs Kell was the best ,most fun teacher we ever had. So sorry for your loss.

Nada DeSalvo
Marianna, AR
Liked
Tuesday, February 23, 2021

May Betty Sue from strength to strength in God's tender care. Condolences to the family.
With love, Vince and Nada

Betty Gilchrist
Russellville, AR
Liked
Monday, February 22, 2021

Mrs .Kell was the best teacher I ever had in Marianna. I have thought of her often through the years and always spoke highly of her.
She made her classes fun and wanting to learn in her class was fun. I loved that twinkle in her eyes and her smile.
Thank you Mrs. Kell

Joanne Webb
Marianna, AR
Liked
Monday, February 22, 2021

Dear Coach & Family,

So sorry for the loss of your beloved. Mrs. Kell certainly made her mark on our community. We all loved her. Thoughts and prayers for everyone.