Mary Ann Betts

Mary Ann Betts, 88, of Portia, Arkansas, passed away on October 22, 2024 in Jonesboro. She was born in Swifton, Arkansas on March 13, 1936 to Robert Lloyd “Cotton” Foster and Lilly Fredrika “Freddie” Foster of Black Rock, Arkansas.

Mary Ann was a 1954 graduate of Fillmore High School in Fillmore, California. A born-again Christian, Mary Ann was proud of her faith in Jesus Christ and was a member of Crossroads Baptist Church in Portia.

Her four sons and grandchildren were the light of her life. She was a fierce momma bear to her boys – ever loyal and protective – and cherished time spent with family.

In addition to her parents, Mary Ann is preceded in death by her brother, Leslie Wayne Foster.

She is survived by her sons, David Eugene (Lisa) Betts of Cave Creek, Arizona, Jeffrey Brian (Yvette) Betts of Elkins, Arkansas, Charles Lloyd (Wanda) Betts of Hot Springs Village, Arkansas, and Russel Lee (Trisha) Betts of Benton, Arkansas; eight grandchildren: Miranda, Chris, Ashlee, Blair, Jesse, Jordan, Parker, and Adam; twelve great-grandchildren; two great-great-grandchildren; brother, Bryan Robert “Bob” Foster of Oxnard, California; and many nieces and nephews.

The family will hold a private Celebration of Life at a later date.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation, www.cff.org or Make-A-Wish, 3600 Bee Caves Rd. Suite 100, Austin, Texas 78746. Both of these foundations have a special meaning to the family, and have been instrumental in two of Mary Ann’s great-grandchildren’s lives.