Betty Ann Van Horn Church

Friday, July 6, 2018

Betty Ann Van Horn Church, 70, of Blytheville passed away on July 4, 2018 at St. Bernard’s Medical Center in Jonesboro. She was born on December 30, 1947 in Memphis, Tennessee to Mary and Johnnie Van Horn.

Retired after 39 years at Blytheville High School, Betty was a classroom teacher who later served as guidance counselor. Deeply dedicated to her work and noted as an outstanding educator, she touched thousands of students with her intelligence, her caring and the high standards she upheld for them. Betty was also devoted to her family. She and Johnny, her husband of 38 years, raised two daughters who, as they grew up, kept her busy attending baseball and basketball games, along with golf, swimming, or horseback riding activities. She also adored her two dachshunds, Rudy and B.B.

Known for her great sense of humor and contagious laughter, Betty was an avid reader who closely followed sports and who enjoyed spirited political discussions, especially with her son-in-law, Brandon.

A graduate of Arkansas State University with a B.S.E and M.S.E, Betty was a member of Chapter C.I. P.E.O. and a former member of Delta Kappa Gamma. She was a long-time and faithful member of First Christian Church, where over the years, she served as an active volunteer in a variety of roles.

Preceded in death by her parents, Betty is survived by the love of her life, husband John Church, of the home. She also leaves two daughters, Julie Church of Batesville, AR and Jennifer (Brandon) Bennett of Blytheville; her twin sister, Mary Jane Van Horn of Blytheville; and one sister-in-law, Betty (Joe) Pierce of West Memphis, AR.; and a wealth of friends and former colleagues who have loved and respected her.

Visitation will be Saturday, July 7, 1:00-3:00 p.m. at First Christian Church in Blytheville. The service will begin at 3:00 p.m. with Holly Jo Engle officiating. A private burial will be held at Oak Grove Cemetery, Weiner, AR. Memorials may be sent to the First Christian Church Prayer Garden (Blytheville) or to the BHS Scholarship Foundation. Condolences may be offered at carneyfuneralhome.com.