Betty A Steele

Betty Ayers Henson Steele left this life for the next on 14 December, 2023 at Methodist Village Care Center.She was born to Doris D. Titsworth and Seth Parrish Ayers on 23 July 1933 in Johnson City, Tennessee and grew up in Jonesboro, Arkansas. Betty graduated from Jonesboro High School and the University of Arkansas At Fayetteville.She continued her education, obtaining a Masters Degree and a Doctorate. She was a Phi Beta Kappa Scholar and President of Kappa Kappa Gamma Sorority. Betty was a member of The Junior League of Fort Smith, sat on the Alzheimer's Board, among her charitable endeavors.She was an accomplished artist, pianist, and a published author. She was proceeded in death by her parents and husband William R. Henson and husband Dr. L Pat Steele and stepdaughter, Katie Burnham. Betty owned and operated 2 successful businesses and used her doctorate teaching English as a second language to immigrants coming through Fort Chaffee. She also taught in area nursing homes as her belief in life long learning was strong. Betty is survived by son, William R. Henson, Jr.; DIL Marcia R. Henson; Grandsons, William R. Henson III, Andrew P. Henson ( Meredith); great grandsons, Miles and Cole; daughter, Crystal Morse ( Dr. Chris Morse). Son, Paul M. Henson ( Suzanne), granddaughters, Jessica A. Henson (Catlyn), Alexandra C. Henson, Madeline Henson DeWitt (Nick); Daughter, Anne A. Henson; Step Children, Andy Burnham, Alisa Steele, Beau Steele (Kim), Julie S. Blackwood (Boyd), Michael Steele (April), Cynthia S .Fentress (Jonathan). Betty loved deeply. She was a wonderful Mother, Grandmother, Great Grandmother, and friend. she was a life- long member of the Methodist Church. Betty lived a long, full life and is, once again, whole. The family would like to thank the staff at Methodist Village, Methodist Health & Rehab., for Betty’s care

Anyone wishing to pay their respects may do so Saturday and Sunday 9-2 at Edwards Funeral Home, 201 North 12th Street, Fort Smith, Arkansas.

Private burial will be at Oak Cemetery in Fort Smith.

Online condolences may be sent to: www.edwardsfuneralhome.com