Elizabeth M. Church

Beth Moore Church, 93, longtime resident of Sherwood, AR, recently left this earthly home for a new glorified heavenly body on August 11, 2023. She was born in Dumas, AR on January 27, 1930 to Jessie & Myrtle Moore. She is preceded in death by her parents, two brothers and one sister, David & Howard Moore, Ann (Moore) McCleland, a granddaughter, Lauren Church and her husband Reverand PC (Pete) Church of Sherwood.

Her remaining family includes a sister Jessie Williams of Arkadelphia, and two children: Tim (Kathy) Church of Maumelle and Jan (Greg) Gaddis of Cabot; six grandchildren: Caitlin, Will (Mallory), and Brooke Church all of Conway, AR, Rachel (Justin) Bryant of Burns, Tennessee, Nathan (Rachel) Gaddis of Athens, Alabama, and Abigail Gaddis of Cabot, AR; 2 step grandchildren: Emily and Jeff Hedrick of Littleton, CO; 3 great grandchildren: Jones Anne and Candy Grace Shell of Conway, and Josiah Gaddis of Athens, Alabama. Her grandchildren and great grandchildren knew her affectionately as “Meemie”.

Beth was an elementary teacher for over 40 years. She started in in Louisville, KY when Pete was in seminary, and moved on to Sylvan Hills Elementary in the early 1960s until her retirement in 1995. She continued to substitute way into her 70’s. She loved teaching young children how to read, especially 1st graders. She spent countless hours reading stories to them to inspire & develop a love of reading. Many of her students went on to become teachers and educators due to her influence. She continued her devotion to teaching by serving as the Secretary of the Retired Teacher’s Luncheon.

She met Pete at Ouachita Baptist University (OBU) and they were married in 1950. As a pastor’s wife, her life was dedicated to service. She spent many hours writing notes to her Sunday School class at Remount Baptist Church, letting members know they were missed on a particular Sunday, and encouraging them along the way. She was involved in the senior ministry at her church and helped with Bible School, always influencing those young minds. She had an unwavering spiritual devotion that included reading numerous devotional books daily. Throughout her ministry with Pete, they had many lifelong friends from churches in Kentucky, and throughout Arkansas that would come to visit and stay in touch throughout the years.

She loved her house on Wesley Drive in Sherwood, and spent hours watching the birds, squirrels, and bunnies which were her “critters”. In the fall and winter, Meemie loved her Arkansas Razorbacks and watched all the football games and basketball games that were on TV. She loved cooking for family especially during the holidays. On Thanksgiving you could expect at least 7 different types of salads and at least 3 deserts, most of which included marshmallows. Every Sunday when Pete was preaching, she would make a cake to share with one of their church families. She was extraordinarily proud to be called a Gold Tiger. So much so, she created a legacy of children & grandchildren graduating from OBU.

The family wishes to thank the nurses and aides at Greystone Nursing & Rehab Center in Cabot, AR for their care and comfort during the last 4 years of mom’s life. She was also an inspiration to many of those who worked there.

Services will be at Griffin Leggett Rest Hill’s Funeral home in North Little Rock on Saturday, August 19, 2023. Visitation will be at 11 am with service immediately following at 12 pm. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in Beth’s honor to Ouachita Baptist University’s scholarship fund or to Remount Baptist Church.