Billy Jo Hefner

Billy Jo Hefner, of Searcy, Arkansas, widow of Brewer L. Hefner, died peacefully May 16 at Allen Morgan Health Center in Memphis. She was born Josie Mae Morton on February 26, 1929, the youngest child of William Thaddeus and Jo Emma Lawler Morton. Her husband of 63 years; parents; sisters, Aileen Bell, Elsie Livesay and Eva Welch; and brothers, Bill, Duke, Oswald and R.L. Morton precede her in death. She is survived by her daughter and son-in-law, Angela and David Less, of Memphis and granddaughter, Emma McGraw Less. Billy Jo was valedictorian of Des Arc High School class of 1948. She attended Beebe Jr. College, University of Central Arkansas and Arkansas State University to prepare for a 33-year career as a first grade teacher in Keiser and school librarian in Osceola. A life-long Methodist, she was a former Sunday school teacher at First United Methodist Church both in Osceola and in Searcy. A graveside service by Rev. David Orr will be held at 10 a.m. Wednesday, June 8 (her wedding anniversary), at Antioch Cemetery. Memorials may be made to First United Methodist Church of Searcy (304 N. Main, Searcy, Ark. 72143); First United Methodist Church of Osceola (303 S. Carthon, Osceola, Ark. 72301); or a charity of choice. Arrangements by Smith-Westbrook Funeral Home. www.SmithFamilyCares.com.