Betty Ann Faris

Wednesday, February 12, 2014

Mrs. Betty Ann Faris passed away and went to her heavenly home Wednesday, Jan. 29, 2014, at Baptist East Hospital in Memphis at the age of 86 years, two months and one day.

Betty was born Nov. 28, 1927, in Illmo, Mo., to James P. Hall and Nellie Thomas Hall. She was united in marriage to Charles Albert Faris on May 26, 1950.

Betty grew up in Illmo, Mo., and graduated from Illmo High School. She moved to the Bootheel area after her marriage to Charles Albert and they made their home in Braggadocio, Mo. She worked at various jobs throughout her life but her main focus was raising and nurturing her family. She was always involved in her children's activities. She was a member of the Braggadocio Baptist Church since 1952 and was asked to be the pianist and organist beginning in 1955. She taught children's Sunday school for many years. Betty was well known and liked throughout the surrounding area and was always willing to help friends and neighbors in need.

She was preceded in death by a son, Bill Faris; her parents, James and Nellie Hall; her sister; Jewell Lee; as well as many friends.

Betty is survived by her husband of 63 years, Charles Albert Faris;

A daughter, Charla Whitaker, and her husband, John, of Blytheville;

Her sister and best friend, Martha Underwood, and her husband, Jim, of Columbia, Mo.,

Five grandchildren, Mary Catherine Faris of Memphis, Chad Faris of St. Louis, Abby McDonald and her husband, Mark, of Collinsville, Miss., Chloe White and her husband, Dallas, of Caruthersville, Mo., and Bo Whitaker and his wife, Stacey, of Greenbriar, Ark.,

Three great-grandchildren, Olivia and Whit McDonald of Collinsville, Miss., and Ellison White of Caruthersville, Mo.;

As well as numerous other relatives and friends.

Pallbearers for Mrs. Faris were Cale Davis, Bo Whitaker, Chad Faris, Mark McDonald, John Whitaker and Dallas White. Honorary pallbearers were Russell Gilmore and Noel Dudley.

Visitation for Mrs. Faris was Saturday, Feb. 1, 2014, at the Braggadocio Baptist Church. Funeral services were held immediately following the visitation at 11 a.m. with Bro. Joe Smith officiating. Interment was in Maple Cemetery in Caruthersville. Memorials may be made to Braggadocio Baptist Church or a Church of your choice.

H.S. Smith Funeral Home was in charge of the arrangements.