Betty Simmons

Betty Simmons, wife of Walter Simmons, passed away on September 2, 2023, surrounded by her loved ones. Born to the late Otmar and Hazel Hageman on December 17, 1934, Mrs. Simmons was a life-long resident of DeWitt, Arkansas.

Mrs. Simmons was preceded in death by her parents, a brother, Henry Hageman, sons-in-law U.W. Mullins and Jim Freeman, and brother-in-law Tommy Williams.

She was raised in the Lutheran Church and joined First Baptist Church, DeWitt, after marriage, but continued to serve both churches until her death. She was employed by DeWitt Bank and Trust for forty-four years. Described as someone who always had a smile, was joy-filled, sometimes a bit feisty and known to play the occasional prank, her family was her first priority. She never gave up on anyone in her family and was always there for them through both the good and bad times.

Mrs. Simmons’s favorite days were the ones spent playing with her grandchildren and great grandchildren. She also enjoyed working in her flower beds.

She is survived by her husband of sixty–eight years, her daughters Lisa Mullins of Searcy and Stacy Freeman of Hot Springs, her grandchildren Lindsey Kelley (Brian), Laura Beth Laughter (Seth), Olivia Freeman (Adam), and Walter Freeman. Great-grandchildren are Logan and Lucas Kelley, Ava Freeman, and Graham and Andrew Laughter. She is also survived by her sister, Carolyn Williams, and a host of special nieces and nephews.

The family of Betty Simmons is heartbroken and will miss her contagious smile, and her daughters, who aspire to be just like her, will miss their daily visits, but all are certain she is cheering them on from Heaven.

Funeral services were September 7 at First Baptist Church with burial following in Cedarcrest Memorial Gardens by Essex Funeral Home. Memorials may be made to St. Luke Lutheran Church, 903 E. 2nd St., DeWitt, AR 72042, First Baptist Church,322 W 1st St., DeWitt, AR 72042, or to Ashes to Glory Foundation, P.O. Box 532176, Livonia, MI, 48153. www.essexfuneralhome.com