CONWAY — Bobbie Jo Reese Horton,
92, of Hot Springs died March 9, 2023 at Superior Health and Rehab in Conway, Ark.
She was preceded in death by her husband of 60 years, Cliff Horton; her parents Sam and Thora Reese; two brothers, Sam Reese Jr. and Douglas (Sonny) Reese and three sisters Mary (Susie) Wilson, Margaret Parks and Mazie Hester. She was a graduate of Dierks High School and a Magna Cum Laude Graduate of Southern Arkansas University with a degree in elementary education. She dedicated herself to educating young people as an elementary teacher. She taught in the Crossett, Pine Bluff and Conway Public School systems, where she was honored as teacher of the year. Bobbie was a devoted Methodist and a member of First United Methodist Church of Hot Springs where she served on the Board of Stewards. She was a dedicated volunteer of the Miss Arkansas Scholarship Pageant for 45 years serving as Vice President of the Board of Directors. She was honored with the titles Honorary Lifetime State Field Director and Honorary Lifetime Traveling Companion to Miss Arkansas. Bobbie’s many years of charitable and faithful service with the Miss Arkansas organization were rewarded when these young women completed their education and became successful in their chosen field as well as leaders in their community. She was a member of the Hot Springs Duplicate Bridge Club where she served as President. She was a member of the Contract Bridge Association in which she achieved her Life, Bronze and Silver Life Masters. She was a member of Hot Springs Welcome Club, member of the Garland County Retired Teachers Association, member of AMI Auxiliary and a volunteer at National Park Medical Center. Bobbie is survived by her precious daughters, Diane Smith and husband Kenny of Conway and Karen Atnip and husband Larry of Rowlett, Texas. Memaw was extremely proud of her grandchildren Preston Lee and Margaret Michelle Smith (Dustin Arnold), L.J. Atnip(Sorida), Shelby Lee Riley (Corey), Dalton Horton Atnip and great grandson Christian Atnip. She is also survived by one sister Ann Johnson, sister-in- law Pat Reese, brother-in-law Sam Wilson and 13 nieces and a nephew. Visitation will be held at Roller McNutt Funeral Home in Conway, Ark. on Monday, March 13, 2023 at 1 p.m., followed by the Funeral Service at 2 p.m. with the Reverend David Wilson officiating. lnterment will follow at Oak Grove Cemetery in Conway.
Pallbearers will be Dr. Bill Sorrels, Mike Bush, Rick Pruitt, Baxter Sharp, Kenny Smith and Larry Atnip.
Honorary Pallbearers include Elizabeth Farris, Ruby Bush, Jennifer Smith, John and Sarah Nail, Carolyn Chunn, Verdie White, Sherry Jorgenson, Kelly Bales, Tina Broughton, members of the Hot Springs Duplicate Bridge Club and the Miss Arkansas Pageant family.
Memorials may be made to the First United Methodist Church, 1100 Central Ave., Hot Springs, Ark. 71901.
Bobbie and her family extend special gratitude to Dr. John W (Bill) and Elizabeth Farris Sorrels, Mike and Ruby Bush, Hot Springs lnternal Medicine doctors, nurse and staff especially Jodi Kelley. Also, for the loving care given by the dedicated physicians, nurses and staff at Superior Health and Rehab in Conway.