Betty Beeson

Betty “BJ” Lay Beeson, 61, of Traskwood passed away on September 27, 2014 at Saline Memorial Hospital. BJ was born on February 16, 1953 to Nora and Rex Lay. She worked as a receptionist for Federal Express and also as an admissions clerk in the former St Joseph Hospital in Hot Springs. BJ was of the Baptist faith. She loved growing flowers, maintaining her yard and decorating for the holidays. BJ took a lot of pride in her appearance, even fixing her hair and makeup before going out to mow her yard. She was a master wrapper of gifts, taking great care to make each gift special; They were usually too pretty to open. BJ was a good cook, except for her dressing, which she never quite mastered. She enjoyed spending time with her family and one memory that stands out is a time on the boat. BJ was driving and almost ran over her husband who had been skiing. BJ’s response was “well, you shouldn’t be in the way.”

BJ is survived by her husband of 30 years, Johnnie Beeson; two sons, John Dustin “Dusty” Beeson and his significant other, Amelia Honold of Glen Rose, and Matthew Chris “Bubba” Beeson and his wife Jennifer of Clinton; a daughter; Carolyn Gibson of Benton; two brothers, Ricky Lay of Dumas and Rex Gaylon Lay and his wife Penny of Tyro, AR; BJ also leaves behind one sister, Charlotte Newton and her husband Jimmy of Smackover; and four grandchildren, with one on the way.

BJ is preceded in death by her dad.

Services for BJ will be on Tuesday September 30, 2014 at 2:00 PM in the Atkinson Funeral Home Chapel. Visitation will be held prior to the service from 12:30 until 2:00. Officiating will be Bro. Eric Pearson. Burial will be at Fairplay Cemetery.

Pallbearers will be Matthew Beeson, Dustin Beeson, Ricky Lay, Jimmy Ray Newton, Kim Childress, and Dale Churchwell. Honorary pallbearers will be Charles Smith and Tim Holt.