of Charleston, AR
April 7, 1927 - July 18, 2025
Bettye Mae (Bowen) King, 98, of Charleston passed away peacefully on Friday, July 18, 2025 surrounded by her loving family.
Born on April 7, 1927 in Fort Smith to Luther and Pearl (Brotherton) Bowen, Bettye was a beloved daughter, sister, niece, aunt, mother, wife, grandmother and friend. She touched the lives of many with her profound sense of warmth, humor, generosity and compassion. To know her was to love her and to feel loved. After graduating from Charleston High School in 1945, Bettye went on to attend Draughon's Business College. She worked for Garrison Furniture Company and was a Teller at American State Bank/Simmons Bank. She was married to her best friend, Paul, for 61 years until his death in 2010. She missed him every day after and could often be found by his grave, changing out flowers or flags. Bettye's faith and her relationship with God were very important to her. She loved attending First United Methodist Church in Charleston where she sang in the choir, served with the United Methodist Women's Unit and led UM Kids for 40 years. She also belonged to and was an active member of, American Legion, Eastern Star and the National Rural Letter Carrier Association Auxiliary. She was also a volunteer Coordinator for the Charleston Community Blood Drive for many years. Bettye loved spending time with her friends and family. Her children, grandchildren and great grandchildren brought her so much joy. Her favorite times were when they were all together in one place.
Bettye was preceded in death by her mother and father; her sister, Doris Paul; her brother, Billy Bowen and her husband, Paul King.
She is survived by her children, Randy King, Steven King (Sheila) and Susan Armacost (Scott); her grandchildren, Miki Biggers (Coe), Jordon King (Josh Dougherty), Kaleb King (Chelsea), Austin King (Samantha), Connor Armacost, Alexis McCasquez (Jose) and Bryce Sinnett (Logan); her great grandchildren, Kane and Krew King and Parker and Kendall Sinnett and numerous nieces and nephews.
A visitation will be held at Charleston First United Methodist Church on Monday, July 21, 2025 from 5:00-7:00 PM.
A service will be held at the Charleston United Methodist Church on Tuesday, July 22, 2025 at 10:00 AM, followed by a graveside service at Garden of Memories Cemetery, also located in Charleston.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be sent to Charleston First United Methodist Church in Bettye's name; P.O. Box 35, Charleston, AR 72933.
Funeral arrangements and services are under the direction of Roller Funeral Home.
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16 Condolence(s)
Bobby Bowen
Sunday, July 27, 2025
Neta and Tudy Loughridge
Tuesday, July 22, 2025
Bettye was a sweet lady. She was a good friend to my mom, Sue Neissl. She will be missed. Prayers to her family.
Pam Tobey
Tuesday, July 22, 2025
A very special lady that touched many, many lives along her life…..a life well lived! ❤️
Regina Brotherton Kirkpatrick
Monday, July 21, 2025
Sending my deepest condolences.
Such fond memories of Bettye throughout the years.
Regina
Sarah Flanagan Summerallll
Monday, July 21, 2025
Loved her
Sharon Goforth
Sunday, July 20, 2025
Love and Prayers!
Pattie Atchley
Sunday, July 20, 2025
Bobby I am sorry for the loss in your family, Pattie Atchley
Carolyn Ketter
Sunday, July 20, 2025
Condolences to the family. Bettye will be missed by all. She was so kind to all.
Natalie Kengla
Saturday, July 19, 2025
Bettye was an absolute gem to the Charleston community. She made friends with my grandparents through Eastern Star, and the Methodist Church in Charleston. After they passed she always reached out with kind words about them. I always loved seeing her at church. She will be missed by so many.
Sheila Peck
Saturday, July 19, 2025
James bass
Saturday, July 19, 2025
So sorry to hear.
Melinda Holmes
Saturday, July 19, 2025
Sure going to miss her around here but so honored to have known her and what a legacy she left. Thinking of you all.
Lynda Wise
Saturday, July 19, 2025
Words cannot express how much Cliff and I enjoyed knowing Betty and Paul. We had many adventures together. Traveling together to national conventions together was always fun and interesting. We still laugh when we pass a Waffle House. Paul always ordered waffles with lots of pecans. Betty would try to keep him from spotting the Waffle House so we could eat somewhere else. They were older than us but we never noticed that. We had to try to keep up with them. We always described Bettye as our petite fiesty friend.
We are so glad we had a great visit with Bettye and Mikki.
Thanks for the great memories. We shall always cherish the love and memories of Bettye and Paul. 🥰
Jan Elkins Krum
Saturday, July 19, 2025
My deepest condolences to the family. Bettye was such a wonderful woman! She was so kind and loving to me and my mom! My prayers for the family always!
jay and Jody Stubblefield
Saturday, July 19, 2025
My condolences to Randy and Steven. Ms. Betty was a wonderful example of what a loving mother and strong family figure should be. I remember her teaching Bible school and leading Cub Scouts, always smiling as she passed out Kool-Aid and cookies. Her warmth and kindness left a lasting mark that I’ll always remember.
Brenda (Sanders) Sims
Friday, July 18, 2025
Alton and I were sorry to hear oh Mrs Bettye's passing. My husband hadn't known her long. I was raised around Charleston and Mrs Bettye husband Paul was my parents mail man years ago. My husband and zi moved yo the skyler estate apartments back in Dec. I would go walking of a evening and come across Mrs Bettye and walk her home. I am going to miss those evening walks. The family is in my prayers.