Carolyn Jeanette Betts

Carolyn Jeanette Betts, 87, of Cassville, MO went to be with the Lord on Wednesday, January 14, 2026. She was born on October 23, 1938, in Blackshear, Georgia to the late Leon Harper and Ruby Carter Harper.

Carolyn was a devoted wife, mother, and homemaker whose life was marked by creativity, faith, and a genuine love for people. A lifelong reader and writer, she especially loved poetry and was proud to have her work recognized through contest wins—an accomplishment that reflected both her talent and her thoughtful spirit. She earned a Bachelor of English from Missouri Southern University in Joplin, MO.

As a young bride, Carolyn left her home state of Florida and followed her preacher husband in ministry, embracing her calling with grace and dedication. Her longest residence was in Cassville, Missouri, where in 1968 her family served at Bethany Baptist Church. During those years, she became deeply rooted in the community and faithfully supported both her family and her church.

Carolyn was the mother of seven and poured her heart into creating a loving, welcoming home. She was gifted with her hands and her heart—knitting, making beautiful quilts, and playing the piano, growing all kinds of flowers and piecing jigsaw puzzles. She also loved to sing and was known for her beautiful alto voice, often filling her home and church with music. A wonderful cook, she had a remarkable ability to stretch resources, often said to be able to turn a dime into a quarter’s worth through creativity and care. She loved “junkin,” finding joy and value in unexpected places.

Her enjoyment of people served her well as a pastor’s wife. Carolyn had a warm, approachable spirit that made others feel comfortable and valued wherever she went. She also gave generously of her time to education, serving on the board of Jerry’s School which was Oak Grove School in Monett, Missouri.

Carolyn’s legacy lives on through her family, her faith, and the many lives she touched with kindness, creativity, and love.

She is preceded in death by her parents; loving husband of sixty-eight years, Wayne Lester Betts; son, Jerry Wayne Betts; siblings, Earlene Jennings of Jacksonville, FL, Sandy Harper of Greers Ferry, AR, and Wayne Harper of Polk City, FL.

Carolyn is survived by her children, Jon (Debbie) Betts of Vidalia, LA, Don (Linda) Betts, of Greenbrier, AR, Mark (Gaye) Betts, of Decatur, AR, Leslie (David) Shofner, of Damascus, AR, Randal (Jeannine) Betts, of Conway, AR, and Loi “Michele” Betts of Clinton, AR; grandchildren, Bryan Betts, Scott Dupuis, Adam Betts, Eric Betts, Jeremy Betts, Andrew Betts, Tanner Betts, Aaron Betts, Nathan Betts, Claire (Betts) Gideon, Clayton Betts, Jonathan Shofner, Melissa (Shofner) Tuell, C.J. Hallmark, and Christopher Jordan Betts; twenty-five great grandchildren; siblings, Virgil Harper of Jacksonville, FL, Bennie Harper of Heber Springs, AR, Raymond Harper of McGrady, NC, Elaine Arp of Walcott, IA, Dianna Harper of McKinny, FL; and many other family members.

A visitation will be held from 2:00pm to 4:00pm on Monday, January 19, 2026, at Wilcox Family Funeral Home in Greenbrier, AR; and a graveside service will be held at 3:00pm on Wednesday, January 21, 2026, at Oakwood Cemetery in Hilliard, FL.