Betty L Wakefield

Betty Wakefield passed away peacefully at home on Wednesday, March 12. She was born on November 7, 1926 in Paris, Arkansas to Kitty Carter Lineback and Lucian Lineback. She was preceded in death by her beloved husband Nelson, to whom she was married for over 75 years, her parents, and her brothers Joe and Lawrence and sisters Elaine and Carolyn. She is survived by her three sons, Steve (Jeri) of Dallas, Texas, Dick (Jane) of Fayetteville, Ar, Eddie (Jeannie) of Alma, AR, and daughter Julie of Fort Smith. She also has several grandchildren and great grandchildren, whom she loved without boundaries. She loved her many cousins, nieces and nephews and her Church family as well as her many friends.

Anyone who knew her knew that after Nelson, her great love was gardening. She spent many hours planting flowers and pulling weeds. Their yard was once selected as yard of the month by the City of Fort Smith, however, only Nelson was acknowledged by them. After much drama, Betty got her due credit. When she was in an independent living facility for about 4 months, she came home daily to work in the yard. She eventually moved back home, which is where she wanted to be.

Betty was assisted in staying home by our angels from Home Instead. We had some especially caring and loving caregivers who made sure that she was well cared for. They will be missed as well, as they became like members of the family. We cannot thank them enough.

When Betty went into hospice care, the staff of Mercy Hospice made the transition easy so that we could continue keeping her at home. She was never happy with her hospital bed, but begrudgingly settled in. The things that made her happy were Eddie’s hamburgers and chocolate candy. She loved visits from her friends and family.

Funeral services will be held Tuesday, March 18 at 10:00am at Edwards Funeral Home, 201 N 12th St, Fort Smith, AR 72901. Visitation will be held the hour prior beginning at 9:00am. Betty will be laid to rest with Nelson at Fort Smith National Cemetery following the service.

Betty’s great wish was to be able to see Nelson again. Hopefully, she is walking hand in hand with him now.