Betty Jo Stallings

Betty Jo Stallings rejoined the husband she so longed to again be with on September 19, 2018. Though this heavenly reunion with Burrell Stallings is viewed as a mournful loss to those acquainted with Betty, it is none the less a comfort to know how happy she is to once again be playing cards, winning of course, with her true love of 67 years.
Betty’s earthly story began on December 21, 1927, in Hartford, Arkansas, as the middle child of four siblings born to Jefferson Davis and Stella Lee Basinger. Though farm life might have shaped her character, it was a “city girl” persona that she exhibited to friends and relatives. During her high school years, she played basketball with an aggressive style and was a cheerleader in her graduating class of 12 students.
Betty was well-travelled, spending time in California, Oklahoma, and Arkansas. It was during a job stint in Ft. Smith, Arkansas, that she met a bold and brash fella who captured her heart. Burrell and Betty were married on July 11, 1951. The marriage of 67 years produced three children, Beverly Jean (husband Marshall Brackin), Bruce Alan, and Billy Don (wife Marty Stallings). Actively following her children through sports and school activities dominated her life for many years. She was easily recognized as a mom at sporting events through her aggressive cheering and occasional admonishing referee and umpire’s decisions!
Betty’s early life would shine through in her fragrant and showy flower gardens. Persephone gifted her with a green thumb and any cutting, seed, or transplant would flourish under her care and her gardens were admired by all.
Friends meant a lot to Betty and her outgoing style attracted many long-lasting friendships. Card playing parties were a frequent occurrence at the Stallings’ house.
Later in life, Betty loved the presence of her four grandchildren and particularly her ten great-grandchildren. Her face beamed with pleasure and pride whenever any of them were with her. The “Ganny” they all knew was always smiling and handing out hugs laced with cookies and other sweet treats. Even through the pains of her later life, her emotions ran high and happy when in the presence of her grandkids Amy, Jeff, Bryan, Joe and her great-grandkids Brynlynn, Talen, Brylee, Drake, Barrett, Carter, Annabelle, Crew, Shep, and Henry.