Betty Jean Lewis

Betty Jean Moore Lewis, 81, went to her heavenly home September 4, 2012. She died peacefully with loved ones near her side. Betty Lewis was loved and admired by people of all ages, backgrounds, and faiths. She was born in Dyersburg, Tennessee on January 30, 1931 as the youngest daughter of Olyn Fred and Martha Massey Moore. Prior to joining First United Methodist Church of Helena this year, she and her late husband, Allen Barnwell (Barney) Lewis Sr. were members for many years of First Presbyterian Church of Helena, where Betty served as an Elder and regularly hosted, or led, Women's Church Circle. Throughout the years she found great joy participating in, or leading, various Bible Study groups. A homemaker and consummate hostess, she created many fond memories for family and friends through the years. She enjoyed playing golf, and loved playing bridge and other card games with family and friends. Betty and her husband, Barney, contributed a lifetime of community service and gave generously to many civic, charitable and educational organizations locally, and worldwide. A few of these include a prison ministry, sponsoring children in underdeveloped countries, the Vera Lloyd Children's Home and Family Services in Monticello, Ark., the Lewis Library at Phillips County Community College of the University of Arkansas, The Helena Blues Festival, and The Pillow-Thompson House. She and Barney not only funded scholarship programs at PCCCUA over the years, but also helped establish an endowment, Innovative Developments for Educational Advancement (IDEA) to strengthen college programs and improve student services for those enrolled there. Betty was a member of DAR Key Corner Chapter and held leadership positions in the DAR James Bate Chapter, as well as the Junior Auxiliary. Betty also served on the Helena Museum Board. She and her husband enjoyed traveling extensively throughout the United States, as well as many different countries to learn about other cultures and world history. Betty attended Sullins College, Bristol, VA and the University of Mississippi, Oxford, Miss. Betty's parents, two sisters, brother, husband and stepdaughter, Lynette Lewis, preceded her in death. She is survived by daughters Mindy Moore Boggs of Birmingham, Ala. and Jamie Victoria Moore of Helena, Ark., stepdaughter, Carla C. Lewis of Newport Beach, Calif., stepsons, Alan B. Lewis Jr. and Mark H. Lewis of Helena, Ak., two daughters-in-law, Julie and Cindy Lewis, son-in-law, Larry Boggs, seven grandchildren and six great-grandchildren, two nieces and four nephews. Visitation will be from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. at Roller-Citizens Funeral Home in Helena on Thursday, September 6, 2012. A Celebration of Life Service will be held at First United Methodist Church of Helena on Friday at 11 a.m. with a reception to follow at the church. Memorials may be made to First United Methodist Church of Helena, Vera Lloyd Children's Home and Family Services, the American Cancer Society, or donor's choice. Services will be directed by Roller-Citizens Funeral Home, West Helena, (870) 572-2571. Friends and relatives may sign the online guest book at www.rollerfuneralhomes.com.