Betty Louise Ballard Boyd

Betty Louise Ballard Boyd, of White Hall, Ark., formerly of Jayess, Miss., passed away at home on February 19, 2023. Betty was born to Hulon Ballard and Nannie Mae Williamson Ballard on May 18, 1933. Born, raised, and educated in Topeka, Miss., she lived there until her marriage to Excell Jerome Boyd in 1950.

Betty made four major moves in her lifetime: a move to Natchez, Miss., to live for six years, a move to Pine Bluff, Ark., for 33 years, and a move to Jerome’s homeplace in Jayess, Miss., for 28 years. She made one final move in 2018 back to the Pine Bluff area to enjoy being close to her children and grandchildren.

At each move, she created a beautiful home, made friends in her neighborhood, and devoted herself to caring for her husband of 72 years, and her family. Betty occasionally took jobs outside the home and although varied in nature, she thoroughly enjoyed each one of them, and the people she worked with and met.

Betty was a “people person.” She loved conversations with friends, family, and complete strangers. She had an excellent sense of humor and was quick to join in with lighthearted and humorous responses. Betty loved nurturing plants, sewing, cooking, and taking care of others.

Her greatest pleasures included enjoying her family and caring for her well-loved pets, Anna Belle, Shu Lyn “Shu Baby”, and Hobo.

Betty was preceded in death by her parents; sister, Zora Nell Greer; three brothers: Ellroy Ballard, Jerry Ballard, and Roy Dale Ballard; and daughter, Brenda Minor.

Survivors include husband, Jerome; daughter, Nancy (Ricky) Lee; son, J.B. Boyd; six grandchildren; ten great-grandchildren; and numerous nieces and nephews.

Graveside services were held Saturday, February 25, 2023, at 10:30 a.m. at White Hall United Methodist Church Cemetery, 301 Church Drive, White Hall, Ark., 71602. Visitation was 4-6 p.m., Friday, February 24, 2023 at Ralph Robinson and Son Funeral Directors.

Memorials may be made to the Arthritis Foundation at P.O. Box 96280, Washington, D.C. 20077 or to the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation at 200 Vesey Street, 28th floor, New York, N.Y. 10281.

Services by Ralph Robinson and Son Funeral Directors. Online register: www.RalphRobinsonandSon.com.