of Searcy, AR
March 7, 1934 - June 24, 2025
Bettye Jo Parnell, 91, of Searcy, formally of Osceola, passed away on Tuesday, June 24, 2025. She was born on March 7, 1934 to George and Edna Davis Womack. Bettye married Esco Parnell, who was a farmer and they had one son together, Freddie Joe Parnell. While married to Esco, she was the perfect farmer's wife, a wonderful homemaker and mother. They spent 56 loving years together before his passing in 2003. She was an active member of Calvary Baptist Church. In 1970 Bettye worked for the Osceola Memorial Hospital as Director of Environmental Service where she was a member of the Arkansas Hospital Association as well as a certified member of the National Executive Housekeeping Association of America. During this time she completed several courses of training, including the Dale Carnegie Personnel Development course, in which she won the highest achievement award. She retired after 22 years. After her retirement and the passing of her first husband, she married Paul Pruschki. They lived together in Osceola until his passing in 2012. In 2018 she moved to Searcy where she lived at Harding Place Retirement, whose motto was ''Never Too Old To Have Fun''. She enjoyed the activities and made many friends. Finally in 2025, after several years at Harding Place, Bettye moved to a lovely private home in Searcy. She is survived by her nephew and caregiver, Ronnie Parnell (Robbie); cousins, Shelby Rumbough and Shirley Cash (Bob); friend, Jan Stiles; sister-in-law, Erma Parnell; step-daughter, Amy Moreah and many nieces and nephews. She is preceded in death by her first and second husbands; her only son, Freddie Parnell and her parents.
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10 Condolence(s)
Shirley , Biggers, Cash
Tuesday, July 1, 2025
Bettye was always a presence in the lives of my mother ,Vester Davis Milloway, my sister Shelby and myself. She welcomed all of us in her kitchen for reunions, receptions for all occasions. we called each other sisters and it always felt like that. Bettye, I will miss you, but you'll still be A presence in mine and Bob's life.
Thank you Ronnie and Robby for all you did for Bettye these past years.
Vern and Sherry Biggers
Saturday, June 28, 2025
We loved Bettye Jo so much. She was a beautiful and special lady. We have enjoyed a lot of time with her through the years. She will be missed. We will see her again someday. (Cousin)
Eva Middleton
Friday, June 27, 2025
So sorry to hear of Betty's passing. She was a wonderful, beautiful person that was loved by so many and will be missed.
Vickie Fleming Goings
Friday, June 27, 2025
Dear Ronnie,
I adored your Aunt Bettye Jo. She was beautiful and kind. She was my mom's best friend for sixty years. When my mom passed in 2010, she was the first one to come to offer hugs and comforting words.
Donna Griffin
Thursday, June 26, 2025
My mother always spoke fondly of Bettye Jo. I wish I could have met her. I know she will be missed.
Deepest condolences.
Donna Griffin
Daughter of Shirley and Bob.
Diane McCarn
Thursday, June 26, 2025
Such a sweet person. Betty, you will be missed. Mom thought a lot of you.
Kim Holthouse
Thursday, June 26, 2025
A lovely, lovely friendly lady. My condolences to her family and dear friends.
Paulette Green
Thursday, June 26, 2025
I loved this sweet and beautiful lady!
Heartfelt condolences and prayers for family and friends!
Glynda Kay Deaton Wilson
Wednesday, June 25, 2025
I first met Bettye when I was 16 years old, through her son. I then had the privilege of working with her at Osceola Hospital for 17 years. You could not find a sweeter, more caring person than Bettye. We have remained friends through the years and shared many girl talks. I will miss you so much my friend. You can now rest in Jesus. I love you big!
Linda Warhurst
Wednesday, June 25, 2025
Such a lovely person. Always had a kind word for everyone.