Bette Elaine Shoptaw

BETTE ELAINE TOWNLEY SHOPTAW, of Little Rock, went to be with her Lord on Saturday, Feb. 26, 2011 at the age of 68 years. She was born in Malvern, Ark., on May 20, 1942 to the late William Earle and Lois Townley. Elaine was a retired teacher of 28 years from the Pulaski County Special School District. She is survived by her husband, Raymond Shoptaw; a daughter, Rae Lynn Hogue and her husband Scott; a son, William Britt Shoptaw and his wife Tina; grandchildren, Kaitlyn, Kelsey, Sydney, Sarah, and Sophie; her brother, Larry Townley and his wife Tracye; brother Jerry Townley; her sister Velda Flint and her husband Alvin; and several nieces, nephews, and cousins, and aunts. Elaine touched countless lives by walking with the Lord and serving Him to meet the needs of others. She was an excellent teacher through her encouragement, concern, and love for her students and anyone she encountered. She enjoyed sewing and cooking, and loved music. Elaine joyfully praised her God by singing as a former choir member of Geyer Springs First Baptist Church where she and her husband have been faithful and active members for many years. She was a former Sunday school teacher and served in several ministries at the church. Elaine was a devoted wife who loved her husband, children, and grandchildren. The family wishes to express special appreciation to Dr. Hutchins, Dr. Kazzar, Dr. Ransom, and staff, Dr. Beaton, Dr. Bursey, Dr. DeLap, Dr. Glover, Dr. Hefner, Dr. Searcy, Dr. Silvoso, and the nursing staff of Baptist Health Hospital 8B, 9A and 9B, CVICU and CCU. Visitation will be 6 to 8 p.m. on Tuesday, March 1, 2011 at Geyer Springs First Baptist Church with funeral services following on Wednesday, March 2 at 10 a.m., also at the church, officiated by Dr. Paul Sanders and Dr. Jeff Williams. Burial will follow at Pinecrest Memorial Park. Pallbearers will be Jason Bennett, Chuck Brantley, Everette Davis, Steve Davis, Gary Haynes, and Chip Pruitt. Memorials should be made to Geyer Springs First Baptist Church, Community Services (Barnabas Project), P. O. Box 31510, Little Rock, Ark., 72260. Funeral arrangements are by Griffin Leggett Healey & Roth of Little Rock, www.griffinleggetthealeyroth.com.