Betty G.W. Caroom

Betty Glynn Wilson Caroom (Beegie, aka Sugar)

Born on Oct. 18, 1937, in Pine Bluff, Ark., and passed away the morning of May 28, 2021, after suffering a stroke followed by a three week recovery effort eventually ending in hospice care at CHI in Hot Springs Ark. Her greatest love in life was raising two boys (Jerry and Scotty) in often difficult and challenging times, steering them with unconditional love to prioritize the Lord, their country, and their family. She often referred to herself and her two boys as the three musketeers and often used the phrase “one for all, all for one.”

Beegie was a public school teacher for 38 years where she shared her huge heart for the underdog in this world by teaching many subjects, with her passion being special education. After graduation from high school, she attended college at Ouachita Baptist University, voted Most Athletic Female athlete two years running (’56-’57) and continuing her education gaining her Masters in Counseling at ASU and for many hours past her masters. The majority of her teaching career was spent serving her students at Camden Fairview, Green County Tech, and into retirement at Hot Springs High School. She used her own resources and made many sacrifices working multiple jobs, including cashing tickets at Oaklawn Park, hostessing at local restaurants, and working at Hot Springs Country Club to provide opportunities not previously available to her family. She volunteered for Red Cross for many years, served at the food pantry at the church and served as a volunteer at Garland County detention center.

Beegie encouraged her boys, her grandchildren, and all those she came in contact with to reach for high achievement and high contribution. She was always present, never missing a football, basketball, baseball game, tennis match, track meet, or any event in which her kids and her grandchildren participated. “Sugar” as she was referred to by her grandchildren, was the proudest mama and grandmother any of us could ever have, and we could do no wrong in her eyes.

In recent years, Beegie became a great horse racing fan at Oaklawn Park enjoying her time rooting for her son‘s horses, her favorites being multiple Stake winners Hoonani Road and Tempt Fate. We had many pictures in the winner circle but none greater than just one month ago seeing her smile light up the infield after Tempt Fates’ victory in the Arkansas Breeders’ Championship!

For the last several years, Beegie’s constant companion was her rescue dog named Skip. They were awesome together. Once again she showed her heart for those who need of a break in this world.

Beegie is survived her brother, Jay Wilson (Tym); and by her two sons, Jerry Caroom (granddaughters Kacie, Anna and Mary Caitlin) and Scotty Caroom (granddaughter Sydney, grandsons Alex and Ely). Special thanks to Kacie for her constant presence and support and to Alex “Buttercup” and Ely for the love and joy she had in watching all of your games. She is so proud of the young men and women all her grandchildren have become. Special thanks Denia for the joy and fun you brought to her life and to Jane and Jeri Lyn in ICU and CHI hospice care, as well as her caretakers Autumn and Shanna.

The Family suggests donations to either:

Lake Valley Food Pantry, 910 Shady Grove Road, Hot Springs, AR 91901 or Humane Society of Garland County, P.O. Box 1484, Hot Springs, AR 71902.

We will have a Celebration of Sugar’s Life from 4-6 p.m. today, May 31, Memorial Day, at Hot Springs Country Club.

Online condolences at https:// www.caruth-hale.com.