Betty Cole Pence

Betty Cole Pence, 92, of Fort Smith passed away on the morning of January 31, 2023. She was preceded in death by her parents Samuel D. and Bettie Cole; her grandson, William Justin Kerr; her brother Samuel Cole; and her husband Dr. Eldon Pence Jr. She is survived by two daughters, Michelle (Scot) Harris of Fort Smith, Cyndi (Jerry) Glidewell of Fort Smith; one son, Eldon Dryden (Laila) Pence, III of Newport Beach, CA; one sister-in-law, June Tragesser of Houston, TX; six grandchildren, Zack (Natalie) Wakefield, Cole Wakefield, Cory (Chris) Allen, Emily Glidewell, Jay (Meredith) Glidewell and Sarah Pence; and four great-grandchildren, Noah Wakefield, Lily Allen, Lucian Allen and Crawford Wilson.

Born February 25, 1930 in Delhi, Louisiana, Betty attended LSU in Baton Rouge, where she attained a Bachelor of Science degree in Microbiology. While working as

a Bacteriologist at Touro Infirmary in New Orleans, she met her life-long love, Eldon Pence Jr. The couple were married September 11, 1955. Following Eldon’s graduation from Tulane Medical School, they lived in El Paso, TX and Ancon, Panama.

In 1960, Betty moved with her family to Fort Smith, where her husband practiced as

an Internal Medicine physician. She served the community through her volunteer efforts with the Fort Smith Junior League, St. Edward Hospital Auxiliary, Sparks Guild,

Fort Smith Public Library, Sebastian County Medical Auxiliary, First Methodist

Board of Trustees & Administration Board. Betty was a leader in the Stephen Ministry, Girl Scouts, and numerous other civic causes and events.

Betty was affectionately known as “Mommado” to her grandchildren and great-grandchildren. Her love for reading and knowledge was passed down through generations. She was kind-hearted, generous and fiercely protective of those

she loved.

The family expresses gratitude to the staff of Memory Lane Courtyard. A special note of thanks goes to friend and physician, Dr. Richard Hinkle.

Visitation will be Monday, February 6 from 5 p.m. till 7 p.m. at Edwards Funeral Home. Funeral service will be Tuesday, February 7 at 11:00 a.m. at Fort Smith First United Methodist (Roebuck Chapel). Interment will follow at the U.S. National Cemetery. Friends are invited to join the family for a celebration of her life at 1:00 p.m. at Hardscrabble Country Club.

Pallbearers will be Zack Wakefield, Cole Wakefield, Jay Glidewell, Jerry Glidewell,

Scot Harris, Chris Allen and Noah Wakefield.

Memorials may be made to: First United Methodist Church, 200 N. 15th St., Fort Smith, AR 72901, or the charity of choice.

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