Betty Marie Bledsoe

Betty Marie Powell Bledsoe was born April 23, 1942, in the Sandyland Community of Smackover, Arkansas to the late Charlie and Zenora Smith Powell. God called her home to eternal rest on April 23, 2024, her 82^nd birthday.

She accepted Christ at an early age under the leadership of Reverend J. H. Rowe at New Providence Baptist Church in El Dorado, Arkansas. After graduating from Smith High School in 1959, she later she moved to Little Rock, Arkansas to attend Nursing school and met the love of her life, the late James Ralston Bledsoe. They united in holy matrimony in June 1967. To this union four children were born and reared in addition to her daughter Sonja from a previous relationship. 

Betty joined Greater Archview Baptist Church under the leadership of the late 

Reverend Marine W. Williams, where she faithfully served as the Youth Director for many years. She was also a member of the Evergreen Circle, Missionary Society Committee, Hospitality Committee, and assisted in the annual Wedding of the Roses youth event.

Betty loved to cook and bake and would feed the neighborhood if anyone was hungry. She also enjoyed fishing, solving Wordsearch puzzles, trips to the local casinos, and of course; spending time with her family.

She leaves to cherish her memories three daughters: Sonja Allen Sims, Jacqueline Bledsoe and Michelle Bledsoe; two sons Anthony Bledsoe, Sr. (Wanda), and Michael Bledsoe; five sisters: Sarah Minor, Faye Holmes (Earl), Willie Powell, Carolyn Powell Hobbs, and Jerrie Dixon (Vernon); one sister-in-law: Joan Carter of Woodstock, Georgia; 14 grandchildren: Anthony Bledsoe, Jr., Justin Bledsoe, Taylor Sims, Ma’Kayla Hudson, Ralston Bledsoe, Gezus Bledsoe, Melodie Swinney, Michael Bledsoe, Jr., Shamira Swinney, Kristopher Gentry, Tamara Smith, Legacy Bledsoe, Caleb Bledsoe, Rashad Spriggins, and Braylon Avant, 7 great- grandchildren: Skyla Bledsoe, Riley-Marie Bledsoe, Cheyenne Bledsoe, Jumon Bledsoe, Blake Milliff, Chloe Bledsoe, and Bleu Spriggins, lifelong special friend: Hubert “Geese” Ausbie and family, and a host of nieces, nephews, and special friends.

Funeral services will be held Saturday May 4, 2024, at 11:00 A.M. at Greater Archview Baptist Church, 1720 West 23rd Street in Little Rock, Arkansas. The family will receive friends Friday May 3, 2024, from 6:00 P.M. until 7:00 P.M. in the Hardy Funeral Home Memorial Chapel.