Betsy Ferguson

Betsy Ferguson, 85, of Jonesboro, passed away on Wednesday, June 26, 2019, at her home surrounded by her family.

Born in Doddsville, Mississippi, to William H. and Beryl Hudspeth Smith, Betsy lived her early years in Ruleville, Mississippi. Betsy's father died when she was 11 and she moved with her mother to Jonesboro in 1944. Betsy was a 1951 graduate of Jonesboro High School where she was a member of Delta Beta Sigma and was elected Chapter Queen. Through the years, Betsy stayed close to many of her JHS friends and continued to play weekly bridge games for over 65 years.

Betsy was a graduate of the University of Tennessee School of Radiological Technology in Memphis and worked as a Radiology and Nuclear Medicine Technician for St. Bernards Regional Medical Center for over 30 years.

Betsy was of the Baptist faith but attended Blessed Sacrament Church and First United Methodist Church for over 50 years with her family. She was a voracious reader and enjoyed fishing, canoeing, working in the yard and flower gardens, going to the beach, the Cherokee Village home and spending time with her family especially the grandchildren.

Betsy was dedicated to her family and cared for them in their later years. Her mother Beryl endured Alzheimer's Disease and Betsy's step father, Dr. John Faris had heart disease and her mother mother-in-law, Sibyl Ferguson suffered with cancer, but Betsy stayed close to them through it all. The family wishes to extend a special Thank You to the St. Bernards Hospice Program for the excellent care given to Betsy. Betsy was preceded in death by her father, William H. Smith, her mother Beryl Smith Faris and her step father, Dr. John C. Faris.

Survivors include the love of her life and husband of 69 years, David Ferguson of the home;
5 daughters and sons-in-law: Susan and Ron Jackson of Russellville, Judy and Roger Moore of Jonesboro, Valerie and Bobby Statton of Mountain Home, Beryl and Eddie Mitchell of Jonesboro and Bebe and Jim Faryewicz of North Little Rock;
5 grandchildren: Barry (Rachel) Jackson of Little Rock, Scott (Becca) Jackson of Fayetteville, John David Mitchell of Jonesboro, Jimmy Faryewicz (Sarah Smith) of McKinney, Texas, and Valerie Faryewicz (Eliot York) of Taos, New Mexico;
5 Great Grandchildren: Anna Jackson, Charlotte Jackson, Greer Jackson, Connor Jackson, and Olivia York;
4 loving care givers who were excellent in their care for Betsy: Tina Davis, Jennifer Long, Brooke Wade and Jessica McElyea.

Funeral services will be at 2:00 p.m. Sunday in Emerson Memorial Chapel with Rev. Patty Soward officiating. Grandchildren will serve as pallbearers. Burial will follow in Jonesboro Memorial Park Cemetery. Visitation will be held from 1:00 p.m.-2:00 p.m. Sunday prior to the service.

For lasting memorials, the family asks that consideration be given to St. Bernards Hospice Program, 1726 Marie Cr., Jonesboro, AR 72401; In His Wings Ministry (Care Givers), 5135 Hwy. 141 N., Jonesboro, Ar 72401; or First United Methodist Church, Jonesboro, AR 72401.