Betty Sue Bates

Betty Sue Warren Bates, 68, of Furlow, Ark. went to be with the Lord on January 4, 2012 after a courageous, hard fought battle with cancer. She was born in Carlisle, Ark. on December 2, 1943 to the late Otha and Nancy Warren. She was preceded in death by her parents, and Lewis Dean Bates, the love of her life. Betty graduated from Carlisle High School in 1961 where she was Captain of the Cheerleading Squad, "All Tournament" and "All County" on the girls basketball team, homecoming maid (escorted by Lewis), and voted "Most Athletic" her senior year. She married her childhood sweetheart, Lewis, in February of 1962 and had two daughters, Beth (Doodle) and Nancy (Claude). She worked for Pulaski County School District and Little Rock School District as registrar and retired after 30 years. She was an active member of Concord United Methodist Church in Furlow. She had a love for gardening, sewing, crafts, and decorating. She was very talented and enjoyed decorating for Christmas, church functions, high school reunion floats, or any occasion that might arise. You could always find her working in her flower beds and garden. She had a love for growing the most beautiful roses and blessed with a green thumb. She always had a vegetable garden and enjoyed giving away most of what she grew. She loved taking care of her cats and "Bugs," her little dog who was always by her side. Family and friends meant the world to her. She was blessed with so many dear friends near and far, her co-workers, her classmates, and her church family. She looked forward to their luncheons and activities. Betty enjoyed taking weekend trips with her sister-in-law, Juanita, each month. She would talk about all the fun they had together and couldn't wait till the next time they would head out. Betty was the most giving and nicest person you would ever meet. She found joy in doing things for others and taking care of everyone else. She was a wonderful mom, friend, caregiver, and someone who just made you smile when you were around her. Her love, patience, gentleness, and kindness were evident in everything she said and did. She always found something good in everyone and lived her life always putting others first. Her presence made life easier and brighter for everyone around her. Betty enjoyed spending time with her granddaughter, Madison, who she called her "Angel," They enjoyed baking cookies and cakes together, running errands, and playing cards. Madison always brought a smile to her face and brightened each day for her. Betty enjoyed shopping, watching Hallmark movies, and making memories of lessons taught and learned with her daughters. They were her biggest fans and learned so much from their mother throughout the years that will be carried with them forever. Betty's sons-in-law, Keith and Mark, who she called her sons, were such a blessing to her and they thought the same of her. She always said they minded her better than her daughters did. Betty, a loving wife, mom, sister, MaMa, and friend, is survived by two daughters; Mary Beth "Doodle" Van Pelt, husband Keith, and stepson Kody of Cabot, Ark.; Nancy Dean "Claude" Brown, husband Mark, of Franklin, Tenn., and grandchild, Madison Elizabeth "Pooch" Brown of Franklin, TN. Three brothers, Otha Warren Jr. and wife, Jean of Cabot, Raymond (King) Warren and wife, Hester of Carlisle, and Delbert (Butch) Warren and wife Ann of Conway, Ark., and sister-in-law, Juanita Birdsong and husband Gary of Cabot and numerous nieces, nephews, and so many dear friends. The family will receive friends at Boyd Funeral Home, Lonoke, Ark. on Friday, January 6 from 5 till 7 p.m. Funeral services will be Saturday, January 7 at 11 a.m. at Concord United Methodist Church, 150 Concord Church Road in Furlow, Ark. The Rev. Beth Turner and Rev. Bob Marble will officiate. Interment will follow at Carlisle Cemetery. Pallbearers: Keith Van Pelt, Mark Brown, Gary Birdsong, David Wood, Bobby Joe Elmore, and Jerry Parker. Online guest book, www.boydfuneralhome.net.