After graduating as Valedictorian from Wilmar High School, Betty''™s early adventures took her across the southwest as she worked for Western Union. However, her heart ultimately rooted her in Monticello, which became her longtime home. For over 36 years, Betty worked for Burlington Industries in various departments. Beyond work, she developed lifelong friendships with her Burlington family. A woman of profound faith, Betty was a devoted and active member of Second Baptist Church of Monticello. She faithfully taught Sunday school classes and helped count the tithes and offerings for many years, finding true joy in serving others.
Betty enjoyed reading, writing, watching Wheel of Fortune, canning her famous tomato relish, and catching up with friends and family on the phone. A master of trivia facts, she could recite all the state capitals and Presidents in order, often helping the grandkids learn them. She loved watching Razorback sports and would often watch games while on the phone with one of her relatives who lived far away. Betty enjoyed dressing fashionably and her grandkids always enjoyed her shoe collection. Her greatest pride and joy was her family. She kept recent pictures of her grandchildren and great-grandchildren on the coffee table in her living room, eager to show anyone who dropped in for a visit.
She is survived by her three children, Phillip (Debbie) Sperling, Donna Branscum, and Lea Ann (Curt) Thomas; six grandchildren, Joshua (Maggie) Sperling, Jeremy (Arriane) Sperling, Jesse (Tanda) Sperling, Beau Branscum (Christina Bethalee), Rebecca Thomas, and Patrick (Hannah) Thomas; sixteen great-grandchildren; along with many nieces and nephews.
Funeral service will be held at 11:00 a.m. Wednesday, August 12, 2026, at Second Baptist Church in Monticello, Arkansas. There will be a visitation Tuesday evening from 6:00-8:00 p.m. at Stephenson-Dearman Funeral Home. Burial will follow at Green Hill Cemetery.
Condolences(11)
Jane Jo Summerford
Monticello, AR Wednesday, August 12, 2026 Phillip, Donna, Leanne, and families: I am so sorry. Thinking of you.Sharon Shook McIntyre
Monticello, AR Wednesday, August 12, 2026 Family of Betty,I am saddened to hear of your loss. I never worked directly with her at Burlington, but we were always not too far down the hall from one another. She was such a nice person, always the same when we would meet and talk about work or other things. Please know that you all are in my thoughts and prayers.
Sincerely,
Sharon
June Brixie
MONTICELLO, AR Tuesday, August 11, 2026 Dear Family, I am so sorry for your loss. Betty was a very special lady. I worked with her for several years at Burlington. Prayers for all the family.Kedran Handly
Monticello, AR Tuesday, August 11, 2026 So sorry to hear of Betty's passing. Always enjoyed talking with her whenever we ran into one another. Again her family is in our prayers.Laci Harris
Monticello, AR Tuesday, August 11, 2026 Dear Family,We are so sorry for your loss. Mrs. Betty will be missed by many. We have many memories of her and our Nanny (Oledia Crook) from Second Baptist. God Bless you all.
The Family of the late Oledia Crook,
Laci, Crayton, Parker & Rhett Harris
Lindsey, Ryan, Talin, Tynlee & Tanner Watson
Kent Davis
Maumelle, AR Tuesday, August 11, 2026 Donna, You and I grew up together and been friends for ever, I am sorry for your Loss. Kent DavisShelia Ratledge
Monticello, AR Tuesday, August 11, 2026 My family loved Ms. Betty she sat in the seat in front of us at Second Baptist church .she was such a sweet loving g lady , we had a baby at the time and she had to hold hin each week . The first few weeks we kept him outin the front with us due to his disabilities when he would fuss she had to try and make him happy she played pick up many times with his bottle, binky , toy or blanket I don't know ow who caught on first and made it" their game " but it was always smiling laughing and joy not just in those 2 but in my husband and my hearts . My older kids loved Ms.Betty also. She will be missed by us all Shelia Danny and Eli RatledgeGloria Rawls Svhwab
Rogers, AR Tuesday, August 11, 2026 Phillip and family , I’m so sorry for the loss of your mom. She worked with my mom way back in the day at Burlington . Prayers for your family .Joyce Higgins
Delhi, LA Monday, August 10, 2026 I remember Betty from when we were members of Second Baptist Church, I was Church secretary at that time, sweet lady. Our thoughts and prayers are with you ?? ??Cynthia McKinstry
Little Rock, AR Monday, August 10, 2026 So sorry for your loss. Mrs. Betty was a dear friend to my family and was classmate w/my Dad, Hardy McKinstry. She also worked w/numerous friends and family at Burlington. Br praying for y’all during this time.Mary Lasiter
Wilmar, AR Sunday, August 9, 2026 Dear family please accept my deepest sympathy. Betty and I were 1st cousins and we use to talk every week until both of us got sick.