Betty J Reed

Betty Jean (Wiser) Reed, passed peacefully surrounded by the love of her family July 18, 2026. Born on October 5, 1930, in Danville, Arkansas, Betty was the daughter of Porter Hulon Wiser and Ratha O. (Rogers) Wiser.

Betty was raised on her family’s farm in Danville and was one of eleven children. She often spoke fondly of her childhood, the simple joys and hard work of farm life. She would often share stories of picking cotton, helping with chores, and milking the family’s beloved Jersey cow, Bessie.

A lifelong Christian, Betty was saved in a Free Will Baptist church in 1949, an experience she remembered vividly throughout her life. She said that after the service she “couldn’t feel the ground” because she was “walking on air.” The next morning, while her mother milked a cow on the family farm, Betty shared the news of her salvation, and her mother joyfully replied, “Praise the Lord!”

In 1950 at twenty years old, Betty left the family farm and boarded a Greyhound bus to Little Rock to begin a new chapter of her life. It was then she began working at Southland Building Products, where she worked for many years.

Betty married Coy Eugene “Buddy” Reed, on May 19, 1956. Together they built a life rooted in faith, perseverance, and love. Together they shared a love for antiquing and spent many happy years traveling across Arkansas together searching for treasures at yard sales and estate sales. Over time, their home became what their family lovingly joked was “an antique museum,” filled with the many pieces and memories they collected together.

Betty spoke openly about the hardships she endured on her journey to motherhood, including the heartbreaking stillbirth of a baby girl. After fearing she might never become a mother, she welcomed her beloved son, Tony, in 1962. Becoming a mother was one of the greatest joys of her life.

For nearly seventy years, Betty was a faithful member of East End Baptist Church, where her faith remained steadfast throughout her life. A gifted pianist, Betty frequently played piano at church, using her music as another expression of her lifelong faith.

After retirement she spent many of her days with her granddaughter, Casey. During this time she especially enjoyed tending her yard and mowing the grass, often taking short trips on her riding lawn mower down the street to the hardware store. The employees there knew her fondly as “Mrs. Betty” and would often deliver feed and hay to her home so she would not have to worry about loading heavy supplies herself.

Betty was soft-spoken and gentle, with a quiet sense of humor and a love for laughter that brought comfort to those around her. She was the last surviving of her siblings, carrying with her a lifetime of memories, stories, and love for her family.

Though her family grieves her loss deeply, Betty often spoke with peace and certainty about eternal life. She said she did not fear death and found comfort in knowing that one day she would see the face of Jesus. Her unwavering faith remained the foundation of her life until the very end.

She is survived by her son, Tony Reed, daughter-in-law, Dena, granddaughter, Casey (Reed) Beach, and husband, Grant; along with her great-granddaughters, Penelope, Caroline, and Lenora, who lovingly knew her as “Gigi.”

Betty will be remembered for her unwavering faith, gentle spirit, enduring strength, and the deep love she carried for her family throughout her long and meaningful life.

Visitation will be Wednesday, July 22nd from 5:00pm-7:00pm at Smith Little Rock Funeral Home, 8801 Knoedl Ct. Little Rock, AR 72205

Graveside Service will be Thursday, July 23rd at 9:00am at Salem Cemetery, 20209 Arch St. Little Rock, AR 72206

Arrangements by Smith North Little Rock Funeral Home, 1921 Main St, North Little Rock, AR 72114, (501-758-1170).