Betty Louise Bruce

Betty Louise Bruce, 89, of Manila, widow of J.T. Bruce, passed from this life Monday, Feb. 21, 2022, at the Flo & Phil Jones Hospice House in Jonesboro. Born in Cherry Valley and raised in Bay Village, she was the daughter of the late Tom and Albertine Shaver Clements and had been a Manila resident since 1962. Betty was a retired cafeteria worker with the Manila School District with over 20 years of service. Betty loved taking care of the children in the cafeteria. She had a longtime ministry of providing food and meals for those in need, especially during times of sickness and death. Betty was an avid gardener and would often be found working in her yard and tending to her garden and flowers. She was a faithful woman who loved the Lord, her family, church and community. She was a member of the Assembly of God in Manila for nearly 60 years where she served in various roles. In addition to her parents and husband, she was preceded in death by two brothers, R.T. Clements and Bill Clements, and three sisters, Ann Warren, Carol Daughtry and Shirley Minirth.

Survivors include her son, Michael Bruce (Phyllis) of Jonesboro; two daughters, Dianne Sparks (Rick) and Pam Chipman (James), all of Manila; seven grandchildren, Chad Bruce, Weston Boyd, Amber Weldon, Angie Gipson, Jennifer Jackson, Josh Chipman and Seth Chipman. She also leaves nine great-grandchildren, Ciera Bruce, Carter Weldon, Emmy Weldon, Jordon Boyd, Matthew Gipson, Connor Jackson, Emma Jackson, Eden Chipman and Lawson Chipman.

Funeral services will be 1 p.m. Wednesday, Feb. 23, at the Howard Funeral Service Chapel in Manila with Rev. James Chipman and Charles Chipman officiating. Burial will follow in the Manila Cemetery. 

Serving as active pallbearers will be Matthew Gipson, Connor Jackson, Weston Boyd, Jordon Boyd, Carter Weldon, Josh Chipman, Seth Chipman and Chad Bruce. 

The family will receive visitors Wednesday morning from 11:30 until service time. 

The family would like to express their heartfelt gratitude to the Manila Nursing Center for the care given to their loved one. Online guest register: www.howardfuneralservice.com