Betty Jo Grady Parchman Adams

The life of Betty Jo Grady Parchman Adams began March 29, 1940 in the Banner community, located near Brinkley. She was a daughter of Floyd "Dewie" Grady and Edith Carter Grady. When Betty was three years old, World War II was going strong and the family moved about to find work. They lived in Bryant, Bauxite, Russellville and Hartman. Several years later they returned to Monroe County and she began first grade at the Banner School, which consisted of two classrooms for eight grades. In time the school consolidated and she was privileged to attend her beloved Clarendon High School. Betty was shy but fearless and often remained after school to manage the girls basketball team. She soon became the official scorekeeper for all of the school teams. The love of the games were so dear to her heart, she would go without lunch to save the 30 cents in order to ride the Greyhound bus home. If she did not have 30 cents; Miss Doll Thomas, the station manager gave her a loan. At 10:30 pm she would get off at the Banner stop and walk 1/2 mile home in the pitch dark. High school days were a special time for Betty. She often spent the night with best friends, Marilyn and Amelia. She was honored by her 1958 graduating class by serving as their secretary and homecoming football maid. Betty began work with the Southwestern Bell Telephone Co. in January 1959. During the Berlin crisis in 1961 she was transferred to Fort Smith and later to Little Rock, where she served as operator and frame attendant. She often worked two or three jobs; including as a caterer for Margaret Kendall, hostess at the Maumelle Sailing Club and later at the liquor store. After retirement in 2005 Betty and fellow workers would meet and celebrate birthdays and have a great time of fellowship. In early years Betty was married and as a mother loved her children dearly. Her journey took a different direction and she became a single mom and worked hard to support her sons. After 20 years love came into her life again when she met John Adams, a young man from Michigan. They were married October 21, 1983 and celebrated 31 years together before his death on December 11, 2014. Betty loved to travel and was proud to visit 47 of the United States. Her journey included Niagara Falls (3 times), Yellowstone National Park (2 times), Grand Canyon, Sequoyah National Park, the Great Lakes, Smokey Mt National Park, New York City and Washington DC (2 times). A true people person, Betty was blessed with a wonderful life. In 2003 she became a member of the River Of Life Worship Center and has been a faithful servant of God. The thoughts of her heart would be "God has really been good to me all of these years and may He have mercy on my soul". At age 75 Betty Jo passed away on March 2, 2016 at the Cla-Clif Nursing Home in Brinkley. Preceded in death by parents, Floyd & Edith Grady, grandparents, Joe & Belle Carter, Will & Eula Irene Grady; siblings, Floyd Grady, Nelda Burrow & Maxine Phillips; John's parents, Paul & Lorene Adams. She is survived by sons: Douglas Parchman of Springdale and Timothy Parchman of Little Rock; step-daughters: Angie (Ronnie) Mullins and Lorie (Jeff) Hieber both of Michigan; sister-in-law: Brenda Rhodes; grandchildren: Stacey Montgomery, Brandon Wooten, Samatha Parchman, Nick Parchman, MeKenzie Parchman, Courtney, Tiffany & Tyler Brussell, Will Hieber; great-grandchildren: Erica Jackson, Luke, Gage & Matthew Montgomery, Aaron Parchman, Brayden Wooten, Isabella Brussel; great-great grandchildren: Kayla & Kynlee Jackson; aunts: Mary Lois (Lyle) Wilterdink and Lola (C.L.) Russell; nieces & nephews: Don Paul, Kathy Gibbins, Jennifer Drennan, Pam Henderson, Mary Lynn Snyder, Rhonda Hunt; and a host of extended family & friends. Visitation will be 1 p.m., with services starting at 2 p.m. Sunday at the River of Life Church near Brinkley. Interment will be 11 a.m., Tuesday at the VA Cemetery in Sherwood. Arrangements by Bob Neal & Sons Funeral Home, Brinkley. Guestbook www.bobnealandsons.com.