She was the widow of Marlin Leavell, a homemaker and a member of First Baptist Church in Monticello for 59 years. While Marlin was manager of Sterling's here in Monticello, she worked at the store quite a lot during the busy time of the year and really enjoyed it because she liked working with people. She considered herself Sterling's Easter Bunny because she made up all the Easter baskets, buckets, paddle balls, and etc. that were sold. She said it was fun making them and thinking about all the happy children who would receive them on Easter Morning. She worked a few years in the late 70's at radio station KHBM here in Monticello and found it to be very interesting and met a lot of people she probably would not have met otherwise. After working at KHBM, she worked at the University of Arkansas at Monticello for a few years. Over the years, she was very active in First Baptist Church as a Sunday School Teacher, choir member, nursery worker and Vacation Bible School worker. In addition to her parents and husband, she was preceded in death by an infant son, Larry Stephen Leavell and one brother, Richard Laurence Gregory.
Survivors include a daughter, Joyce Keeling and husband James of McGehee; a son, Larry Leavell and wife Diane of Amory, MS; grandchildren, Bryan Keeling of McGehee, Melanie Reynolds and husband James of McGehee, John Tyler Leavell of Anderson, SC, Jared Leavell and wife Lindsey of Amory, MS; great-grandchildren, Brianna and Brayden Reynolds, Luke and Hannah Keeling and Sawyer Leavell.
Funeral service will be 11:00 a.m. Friday, March 30, 2018 at Stephenson-Dearman Chapel with burial to follow in Oakland Cemetery. Visitation 6:00-8:00 p.m. Thursday evening at the funeral home. Online guestbook www.stephensondearman.com.
Condolences(6)
Margaret Scott
Benton, AR Thursday, March 29, 2018 My thoughts and prayers are with you during this time of loss.Brenda G Lipton
Monticello, AR Thursday, March 29, 2018 Ms. Betty was my neighbor for many years; she was also my friend. And, when she moved to Grand Manor we became family. I will miss her.Gloria Hensley
Monticello, AR Thursday, March 29, 2018 So sorry to hear of Mrs. Betty’s passing. She was such a sweet lady and my Mama’s neighbor at Grand Manor. She will be missed. Sending prayers.Marijo Pruett Miles
Springfield, MO Thursday, March 29, 2018 So very sorry for the recent death of or Mother and Grandmother. Your loved one was loved and respected by many people. I did not know that she prepared the Easter items for all of the children at the Sterling store .I just remember that she and Her husband were always nice and friendly to everyone who came in the store , even the children who just came in to look at all the goodies.Annie Lloyd
Dermott, AR Wednesday, March 28, 2018 Sorry to hear of your loss..I met her at exercise. After she moved to Grand Manor I visited her several times. She was a dear. friend. I will miss our visits...Billy and Rhonda Mitchell
Monticello, AR Wednesday, March 28, 2018 We are so sorry for the loss of your loved one. Mrs. Betty was a sweet and kind lady who was seen wearing a smile most often. She always took the time to ask how others were feeling. She was a great lady.