FAYETTEVILLE — Betty Christensen,

78 of Fayetteville, Ark ., formerly of Conway, Ark., passed away Thursday, October 6, 2022, in Fayetteville. She was born October 25, 1943 in Monroe, La., to Harold and Julia (Perkins) Brown.

She was a retired speech pathology professor at the University of Central Arkansas, where she taught for 29 years, honored for her expertise in Speech Pathology she has an annual spring conference named in her honor, was recognized and received the Frank Keffler clinical career award for outstanding contributions to clinical practice in communication disorders. In addition she co-authored a text book with an occupational therapist, and a physical therapist detailing an interdisciplinary approach to pediatric therapy and language disorders, she also spoke at numerous Speech & Language conferences in her career.

She was a member of Central United Methodist Church in Fayetteville where she was Stephen’s Minister, devout Sunday School teacher. She also was leader of a Cancer Care class, volunteered her time at My Friend’s Closet, and was an advocate for various mission lead groups to Africa and Compassion NWA.

She was a beloved mother and grandmother and is survived by three children, Dr. Jeff Fusilier and his wife Paula of Hot Springs Village, Ark., Mitchell Fusilier and wife Teresa of Greenbrier, Ark., Dr Rebecca Lucke and her husband David of Fayetteville; two brothers, Phillip Brown of Conway, Ark., Charlie Brown of Orlando, Fla.; nine grandchildren, Chase, John David, Landon, Chas, Hayden, Natalie, Nelson, Garett, Jordon; and two great-grandchildren, FinleyMae, and Chandler.

A Celebration of Her Life will be held, 10 a. m., Friday October 21st at Central United Methodist Church in Fayetteville. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Amazon Ministry thru Central United Methodist Church West Dickson Street Fayetteville, Ark. 72701. To sign the online guestbook please visit www.bernafuneralhomes.com