Bethel Armittie Hirscheider

Bethel Armittie Hirscheider, 94, of Little Rock, passed away on April 11, 2026. Known to those who loved her as Beth or Bethel, she was born on October 8, 1931, in MacArthur to the late Frank and Susie Vardaman. 

Beth attended school through the ninth grade at Desha Central in Rohwer. After leaving school early to help support her family, she moved to Little Rock in 1949. There, she enrolled in Palmers Beauty College and rented a small room. While attending school, she needed a job, and a family friend, Don Elmore, who worked for the railroad, told her about a position at a small diner that served railroad employees. It was there that he introduced her to her future husband, George Hirscheider, a fellow railroad employee and friend. Soon after, George began giving her rides to and from work, as they shared the same schedule.

In time, George invited her to dinner at his brother and sister-in-law’s home. It was then she realized their relationship was serious and that he was the one for her. They were married on January 8, 1951. Three years and six and a half months later, they welcomed their first daughter, and three years and nine months after that, twin daughters arrived.

After George’s passing in 1961, Beth returned to work to support her family. She worked at Worthen Bank for eighteen years and later at Pulaski Bank for ten years, along with various other non-banking positions. During her time at Worthen, she was one of only four women elected as officers by the bank’s board of directors—a remarkable achievement at a time when it was rare for women to reach officer-level positions in banking. She also served on the board of a local chapter of the American Institute of Banking for three years, was President of Women of Worthen for two years, and served on the steering committee for a five-state trust conference. In addition, she was a member of the National Bank Women of America, American Business Women, and Business and Professional organizations.

After retiring from her final banking position at Pulaski Bank, Beth spent several years working at the daycare at Faith United Methodist Church. She adored the children she cared for, and they loved her just as deeply in return.

While working throughout those years, she also provided her three daughters with a wonderful upbringing in a loving home in a close-knit neighborhood. She made sure they always had what they needed—and much of what they wanted. She had a special gift for making holidays memorable, especially Christmas, when the family always enjoyed a live tree and an abundance of homemade treats. She was an exceptional cook, known for her chocolate gravy and her cornmeal-fried okra. She also began a cherished family tradition of beach vacations along the Florida panhandle, where many joyful summers were spent with family and friends—a tradition that continues to this day. 

Of all the people and things she held dear, her grandchildren and great-grandchildren were closest to her heart. The photographs her family treasures most are those capturing her brightest smiles, always shared with them.

Beth was preceded in death by her husband, George Granville Hirscheider; her parents, Frank and Susie Vardaman; her brothers, Robert Vardaman, Darty Vardaman, and Henry Vardaman; her sisters, Helen Ingram, Mary Dell Tullos, and Vester Vardaman; and her nephew, Doyle Vardaman.

She is survived by her daughters, Karen Hirscheider, Cathy Copeland, and Connie Barron (John); her grandchildren, George Hirscheider, Devan Baldwin (Will), Leslie Tusieseina (Brian), Samantha Lacey (David), Lindsey Farris (Matt), Hunter Barron (Chelsea), and Matt Barron; and her great-grandchildren, Charlotte Baldwin; Brilie, T’eo, and Niko Tusieseina; Penny, Poppy, and Posie Farris; Emery Richmond; Quinn Barron; and a baby girl Barron expected in June 2026. She is also survived by her sister, Minnie Haywood, as well as many beloved nieces and nephews.

We would not trade anything for the love and memories she gave us. She was a wonderful mother who cared deeply for her family and friends—and even for those she barely knew. She was joyful, fun-loving, and kind. A faithful and devoted member of Faith United Methodist Church for many years, she found strength in her Christian faith. We take comfort in knowing she loved Jesus, and that He loved her.

A funeral service will be held at 11:30 a.m. on Tuesday, April 21, 2026, at Smith Little Rock Funeral Home (8801 Knoedl Court), with visitation one hour prior to the service. Burial will follow at Roselawn Cemetery.

Pallbearers and honorary pallbearers will be Davis Copeland, Hunter Barron, Matt Barron, George Hirscheider, Will Baldwin, David Lacey, Brian Tusieseina, Matt Farris, Emery Richmond, John Barron, and Mark Day.