Sarah Elizabeth (Bettye) Stewart: Obituary

Sarah Elizabeth (Bettye) Stewart, age 82, of Royal, Arkansas, formerly of Blue Ridge died at her home in Royal, Arkansas on October 11, 2016 after a lengthy illness. Bettye was born to John Robert and Dessa Fuller Henderson in Calhoun, Georgia on February 14, 1934. She is preceded in death by her parents, her sister, Anne Payne and her husband, Max Stewart.

She is survived by two daughters Anne Ingram (Jack) of Addison, Alabama, and Tammy Weston (Dale) of Royal, Arkansas, five grandsons Phillip Barber, Kevin Barber, and Stephen Barber, Carter Weston (Lyndsey) and Ryan Weston, and two great grandsons Logan Barber and Blake Barber. She is also survived by 4 nephews Alan and Jeff Panter, Lee and Scott Stewart; and 4 nieces, Karen Beavers, Tanya Reid, Dawn Wimbly and Kim Bradford and a beloved sister-in-law, Imogene Stewart. Bettye Stewart was a member of First Baptist Church of Blue Ridge and was a faithful children’s Sunday school teacher for many years. She taught first grade for the most part during her 38 year teaching career at Blue Ridge Elementary and Graham Elementary School in Talladega, Alabama. Her greatest joy was reading to children and listening to them read to her. The memory of her childhood stories and her unique expressions enriched our lives. Her firm faith and determination made us strong, and her warm hospitality and selfless service to others set a lifetime example to many.

The family would like to thank Arkansas Hospice and Cindy Large who provided excellent care during her long illness and death.

Funeral services will be conducted Sunday, October 16, 2016 at 1:00 p.m. from the Akins of Blue Ridge Chapel with Rev. Harold Willis officiating. Music will be by Brian Huffman and Lucy McKinney. Pallbearers will be Phillip Barber, Kevin Barber, Stephen Barber, Carter Weston, Ryan Weston, and Scott Stewart. Interment will follow in Chastain Memorial Park. The family will receive guests on Sunday, October 16th at Akins Funeral Home from 11:00 a.m. until the funeral hour of 1:00 p.m. Condolences may be sent to the family at www.akinsfuneralhome.com. Akins Funeral Home of Blue Ridge is in charge of arrangements.