Betty Southall Strahan

Betty Southall Strahan born on March 20, 1939 died peacefully on Saturday, March 12 surrounded by her family and her favorite 50's music. Betty was a beloved Mother, grandmother, wife, daughter, sister, aunt, niece, mother-in-law and friend. She loved more deeply than any mind can comprehend. She saw the best in everyone but especially her family. She set the standard for modeling faith in Jesus even in the depths of grief and diminishing health. She radiated physical and spiritual beauty and put the needs of everyone around her above her own.

Betty will always be remembered for her beautifully decorated home for every occasion but especially at Christmas. She loved all things crystal, the beach, Cheetos, her home, her immediate and extended family, her friends, those very special card players, her church and Brother Rusty.

Family joyfully awaiting for Betty at the gates of heaven are her adoring daughter Carla and grandson Kole, the love of her life Durwood, her parents – Dorothy and Charles Southall, brothers Felix and Jerry Southall and nephew Jimbo Southall. Left to cherish her memory are her daughter, son-in law and granddaughter Lisa, Kenn and Alexa Babin, son in-law Randy King, sisters – Lily Young (Frank)and Jean Steed and brothers – James (Lynda) and Johnny (Judy) Southall and a host of nieces, nephews all of whom Betty greatly treasured. Also very special to Betty were her sister-in-law Ella Strahan and Bradley Potts who Nana considered as her grandchild.

A service celebrating the remarkable life of Betty will be held in the sanctuary of First Baptist Church at 2 p.m. on Tuesday, March 15 followed by burial at Barnes Cemetery. Visitation will be held at Benton Funeral Home from 6-8 pm on Monday, March 14.

The family suggests that memorials honoring Betty be made to the following: First Baptist Church in Fordyce, Kole King Memorial Scholarship at Sheridan High School or the American Cancer Society. The family extends heartfelt appreciation to all those who assisted Betty as her health declined and for making her the most popular resident at Garden Park Nursing and Rehabilitation Center as she received numerous cards and packages daily. Betty cherished and appreciated every kind word, deed and action and left this earth feeling very special thanks to the efforts of so many.

Proverbs 31:9 "Many women do noble things but you surpass them all".