Obituaries

Betty Feguson Oliver

Photo of Betty Feguson Oliver
BETTY FERGUSON OLIVER, of North Little Rock, 79, passed peacefully to her heavenly home on April 9, 2016. A native of Bluffton, Ark., she was the daughter of Lester Bland Ferguson and Dora Charlotte Carpenter Ferguson. She was preceded in death by her parents; her twin brother, Billy Ferguson; her sister, Mary Ferguson Carroll; her brother, S.A. Ferguson; and her nephew, Kerry Ferguson. She is survived by Robert (Bob) Oliver, her husband of almost 53 years; her nieces and nephews: Mary Catherine Evans (Stan) of Little Rock, Dr. Kimberly Garner of Maumelle, Greg Ferguson of Pine Bluff, Kevin Ferguson of Danville, and Karen Bruton (Ronald) of Mountain Home; and by grandnieces and grandnephews: Stacey Alonso-Marin, Kelley Garner, Stephaney Wallace, Eric Bruton, Sarah Bruton, Taylor Melton, Adam Bruton, Rachel Bruton, Kole Ferguson, Kerra Ferguson, Kannon Ferguson; and several extended family members. Having served for more than 57 years, she was the longest tenured employee in the entire University of Arkansas system. She served as president of the Arkansas Association of the Home Demonstration Agents and was the vice president of the National Association. Her housing work in Lonoke Country earned her national recognition. She has been honored with the Arkansas Home Economic Outstanding Educator Award, the Sister Pierre Vorster Award for Outstanding Volunteer, and as a 2004 inductee into the Arkansas Agriculture Hall Of Fame. Betty served as staff chair for the University of Arkansas Cooperative Extension's Pulaski County program from 1969-2001 and as volunteer coordinator for Extension Homemakers Club in the state. A long-time, faithful member of Little Rock's First Baptist Church, she sang in the choir and served as a group leader in her Bible Study class. She enjoyed singing and playing piano for numerous weddings and funerals. She was especially pleased to sing in the recent "Living Christmas Tree" presentation. After her twin's death, she and Bob established a Robert and Betty Oliver Twins' Scholarship at Ouachita Baptist University where she currently and previously has served on the Board of Trustees. A graduate of Fourche Valley High School, she found her life-long passion for home economics while securing her undergraduate degree at Ouachita. She went on to earn her master's degree through the University of Arkansas. In the fall of 2015, Betty was the honoree at Stepping Up for Ouachita, an annual event which has raised more than $350,000 in scholarships for women since its inception. Assisting young people in obtaining education has been of paramount importance for Betty. She was honored to help young people reach their goals, especially through a faith-based college education. The family will receive friends from 6 to 8 p.m. at a visitation on Monday night, April 11 in the sanctuary at Little Rock's First Baptist Church. A service celebrating her life will be held on Tuesday, April 12 at 10 a.m. at Little Rock's First Baptist Church. A graveside service will follow that afternoon at 2 p.m. at the Bluffton Cemetery in Bluffton, Ark. Memorials may be made to Little Rock's First Baptist Church, Ouachita Baptist University, University of Arkansas, or the charity of your choice. Arrangements are being handled by Smith-North Little Rock Funeral Home. Online obituary at www.SmithFamilyCares.com.

Published April 11, 2016

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