Betty Ann Carter-Nelson

Betty Ann Carter Nelson was born in Arkadelphia, Arkansas on April 19, 1956 to Elmer and Lucille Jones Carter. She was raised in Sparkman, Arkansas, where she accepted Christ at an early age when she became a lifelong member of Macedonia Baptist Church.

Betty was a graduate of Sparkman High School. She was united in holy matrimony to Carl Edward Nelson on October 16, 1973 and remained by his side for 34 years until he passed on November 25, 2007. During this season of her life, she learned how to drive semi-trailer trucks and traveled the country with Carl as his co-driver for several years. She later found love again and has shared the last 10 years of her life with Claude “Mack” Dickerson.

Betty was a compassionate person, full of joy and humor that she shared with all. She was widely known for her ability to create affectionate nicknames for almost everyone she encountered. Often the friend with a listening ear and the caregiver to many, she has worked for Kindred at Home as a CNA for the past decade. In addition to working as a CNA, Betty also operated the Fairview Civic and Social Club (aka Elmer’s) after the passing of her father to honor his legacy. Never one to let life get her down because she trusted the Lord, she will be missed by many who depended on her for inspiration and laughter.

On December 11, 2018, the Lord called Betty home to be with Him. She was preceded in death by her husband and her father.

A lifetime of love and memories will be forever felt by her mother, Lucille Carter; her love, Claude “Mack” Dickerson; her children, Melanie (Lester) Laysath of Savannah, GA, Carla (Ferris) Keller of McKinney, Texas and Tarlisha “Lisa” (Deon) Ollison of Sparkman; bonus sons, Cameron Dickerson and Steven A. Parham; her grandchildren, Jaylon Nelson, Joshua Black, Jordan Black, Laylah Ollison, Noah Keller, and Carter Ollison; bonus grandchildren, Deon Ollison, Jr., Kabre Keller and Khiry Keller; her siblings, Audrey Carter of Arkadelphia, AR, Ava (Dave) Carter Noblin of Milwaukee, WI, Freddie “Big Duck” Carter (Fay) of Arkadelphia, AR, Emmanuel “Baby Duck” Carter (Debra) of Arkadelphia, AR, Brenda Mitchell (J. T.) of Little Rock, AR; sisters-in-law, Phyllis Ferrell, Valarie (Carl) Hartley, and Marilyn Lowe; a brother-in-law, Billy Ray Newton; three aunts, Jean Culmore, Birdia Flint, Birthia Delamar and Jeanette Carter. She also leaves a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, numerous friends; a special friend, Elizabeth Jones and the faithful patrons of the Fairview Civic and Social Club.

Public visitation will be Wednesday, December 19, 2018 from 1:00 - 7:00 p.m. at the funeral home and the family will receive friends from 6:00-7:00 p.m. A home going celebration will be shared on Thursday, December 20, 2018 at 1:00 p.m. at Macedonia Baptist Church. Rev. Kyle L. Jones J.L. Newborn will deliver the eulogy and Rev. J. L. Newburn will officiate. The interment will be at New White Springs Community Cemetery.

Pallbearers will be Ricky Carter, Chris Carter, Lavenis Carter, Mike Carter, Jerrell Carter and Chris Ollison. Honorary pallbearers will be Scott Thomas, Freddy Bragg, Terry Craig, Edward Eason and Cameron Dickerson.

Submitted by The Nelson Family