Betty Sue Dillard

Betty Sue Dillard, was escorted to Heaven in the arms of her Savior, Jesus, on December 4, 2024 surrounded by her loving family. Betty Sue was born on July 21,1928 to Jennings Bryan Elam and Allene Hunter Elam. She leaves the following legacy of love: daughters, Kathy and husband Dowell Conley of Blytheville,AR, Diane and husband John Tom Hargrave of Fullerton, CA and Becky and Mike Dickey of Maumelle, AR. Six grandchildren: Kim and husband Brett Grotbeck of Boxborough, MA, Zac Hargrave of Fullerton, CA, Kristen and husband Joshua Thinnes of San Francisco, CA, Josh and Alexx Conley of Wilson,AR, Alyssa and husband Wes Painter of Old Hickory, TN, and Sean Hinerman of Nashville, TN. Four great-grandchildren: Peter and Evan Grotbeck of Boxborough, MA, Thea Painter of Old Hickory, TN and Samuel Conley of Wilson, AR. A brother, Jim Elam and wife Mary Alice of Longview, TX and sister-in-law Dorothy Dillard of Texarkana, TX. She was preceded in death by her husband, Dr. C.E. Dillard Jr. “Jack” and her parents.

Betty Sue graduated from Murfreesboro schools, attended Southern State University and got her teaching degree from Henderson State University. She taught school in Delight and St. Louis, MO while her husband attended Dental school. 

Her love for children led her to begin the Brownies and Girl Scouts in Murfreesboro. She was an active member of First United Methodist church for 75 years where she was also the Youth Leader and United Women in Faith President. She served on many committees but really enjoyed planning the programs of the church. She loved sewing for her girls, working on her beautiful back yard and planting as many flowers as she could. She looked forward to spending lazy days at Lake Greeson with Jack on their party barge, riding her bike all over town, playing games and planning parties with her grandchildren. The joy of her life was the annual family reunion when everyone came home for her birthday. She would plan “theme parties” that we all enjoyed. There were always old movies and slides to watch and ice cream to freeze and of course lots of pictures to take. She was thrilled when she and Jack were chosen to be Mr. and Mrs. Diamond for the Annual Diamond Festival. They loved to travel and went to all the states in the union. They went to Mexico and cruised the Caribbean but will both agree that their trip to the Holy Land was the best.

Betty Sue was married for 68 years to the love of her life, Jack, and theirs was a true love story. Born in the same house, same bedroom, and delivered by the same doctor 5 months apart is a favorite story they loved to tell. They started 1st grade together, and were High School and college sweethearts. They did everything together and have been apart very few days of their lives.

Betty Sue will continue to live in the hearts of her many friends and more especially through her family who carry an untold amount of lessons taught and love received. She was a woman of true character whose life was a living witness of God’s love.

A celebration of a life well lived will be held on Saturday, December 7 at Murfreesboro First United Methodist Church at 2:30. Visitation will be held before the service at 1:30. Burial will follow in Murfreesboro Cemetery.

In honor of her love for her church, the family humbly requests memorials be made to First United Methodist Church in Murfreesboro, AR. A special thank you to the many family and friends who brought food, visited and prayed for us. And thanks to Hospice Home Care for the loving and tender care given to our mother so she could be in her home. Two special angels helped to care for Miss Betty Sue in her last months and deep appreciation and love goes out to LaDonna Knighten and her mom Delores Marsh. 

You may send an online sympathy message at www.latimerfuneralhome.com