Bette Ledbetter

Friday, October 30, 2015

Mrs. Bette Ledbetter, 90, of Blytheville, received her golden wings from Jesus on Wednesday, October 28, 2015 at NEA Baptist Hospital in Jonesboro. Brown to the late Ewell Edkar and Hattie Faye Butler Davis in Lilbourne, Mo., she was a lifelong resident and a Pioneer Member of the First Baptist Church. When looking back on the life of Bette, women everywhere should stand and applaud. She helped to lead women in business, politics and the workforce. Bette knew what hard work was as she chopped cotton and picked cotton in the fall. She took the necessary steps to become a licenses real estate agent. Bette and her husband were the former owner of Blytheville Recreation Center. Bette also owned a shoe store in Gosnell. It was not unusual for some children to come in who had no shoes or money. They never left barefoot and she would just tell the parents she would charge them. If they tried to come in later and pay for the shoes she would tell them "It's been taken care of" and smile. She was also employed at the Rice Stix factory where she held a supervisory position. Bette was an individual who knew what she wanted and showed others how to attain their dreams and goals.

Bette loved her church and was proud of her faith and Christianity. Her family was her life and she loved them very much. An avid animal lover, Bette was also a faithful supporter of the Humane Society's Orphan Annie program, as she truly loved her animals. Bette truly never met a stranger, for she knew everyone in the area and then some. Bette loved clothes and her closets are full of dresses, shoes, and purses, many of which she never wore. As an individual who was very active and involved in politics, she was a staunch and faithful supporter and always made sure she voted. She always said "If you don't vote then you don't complain". Bette's love for people showed in her actions to help those in need. She developed many close friends and never failed to attend the funerals or visitations of those she knew.

To know Bette was to know a lady who experienced many wonderful moments in her life but also the times of sadness like everyone else. Through all the events of her life she was the same no matter what was happening. Individuals like Bette will always be remembered for touching the lives of so many and will truly be missed.

In addition to her parents, she was also preceded in death by her husband Alva "Sonny" Ledbetter, two daughters, Lynn Rounsaville and Barbara Sims and her sister, Carol Fikes.

Bette is survived by her son, Mike Ledbetter of Blytheville;

Her grandson who she helped to raise, Hunter Rounsaville and his wife Starla of Blytheville;

Two great-grandchildren, Brayden and Zane;

and her sister, Jean Mesa of Long Beach, California.

Funeral services will be held at 10:30 a.m. on Monday, November 2, 2015 in the Cobb Funeral Home Chapel with Dr. Max Briley and Mr. Billy Holifield officiating. Burial will follow in Elmwood Cemetery and the family will receive friends from 2 p.m. until 4 p.m. on Sunday, November 1, 2015 also at Cobb Funeral Home.

Condolences may be expressed to the family online at www.cobbfuneralhome.com.