Betty Jean Hardy

Betty Jean Utsey Hardy graced this world on August 16, 1931, when she was born to the union of John M. Utsey and Lillie Rogers Utsey in Mt. Holly, Arkansas. 

She committed her life to Christ at a young age and was a lifelong member of Whitest Chapel Baptist where she was a member of the choir.  She worked for several years as a housekeeper. She was a perfectionist and made sure everything was always in order.  

Betty enjoyed reading and cooking. Before home interior made it to the mainstream, Betty created home decor, door wreaths, and wall decorations. She possessed a loving spirit and always gave words of wisdom. She loved to hear about the accomplishments of her family and encouraged them all to reach their highest potential. 

Betty’s attitude towards life was an inspiration and a model for dealing with life’s uncertainties. She will be deeply missed, but her memory will never be forgotten. 

She passed from this life on Friday, March 24, 2023, at Silver Oaks Health and Rehabilitation Center in Camden, Arkansas. She was preceded in death by her parents; a sister, Bobbie Jean Utsey; and her children, Cynthia D. Hardy-Thomas and Billy Ray Hardy.

Betty leaves two children, Willie R. Hardy and his wife, Glory of Camden, AR, and Linda F. Andrews of Little Rock, AR; thirteen grandchildren and a host of great-grandchildren nieces, nephews, special friends, Doristeen Willis, Selma Sutton and other relatives.

Services will be held Wednesday, April 5, 2023, at 2:00 p.m. at Whitest Chapel Baptist Church with Rev. Michael Wilson, the eulogist. The interment will be at Eternal Rest Cemetery.