Betty Jo Elizabeth Cline

Obituaries

by Talk Business Staff ([email protected]) ago 10 views 

Betty Jo Elizabeth Cline, 96, of Fort Smith, Arkansas, passed away peacefully. She was born on June 25, 1929, in Ozark, Arkansas, to Sophie May Bond (Hughs) and Robert Hascue Bond.

Betty Jo graduated from Ozark High School in the spring of 1947, where she was proud to have played a leading role in her senior class play. On January 3, 1953, she married the love of her life, Jackie G. Cline, in Fort Smith, Arkansas. Together they built a loving home and shared many cherished years before his passing.

Throughout her life, Betty Jo worked in several well-known Fort Smith establishments, including the Joie Theater, Hunt’s Department Store, and Catherine’s Stout Shop. She had a keen eye for beauty and detail, which carried into both her professional life and personal passions. She greatly enjoyed interior design, antique shopping, fashion, sewing, and going to the cinema.

A woman of strong faith and community spirit, Betty Jo was a long-standing member of First Baptist Church of Fort Smith. She also devoted her time to serving others as a Girl Scouts leader and PTA officer, roles that reflected her dedication to youth and education.

Above all, Betty Jo loved her country and wished to be remembered proudly as an American, holding a deep appreciation for the United States of America.

She is survived by her three children: Lisa Fenton and husband Jim Fenton of West Palm Beach, Florida; Lori Cline and Richard R. Bailey, Jr. of Springdale, Arkansas; and Jack Cline, Jr. and wife Tammy Cline of Van Buren, Arkansas; along with eight beloved grandchildren: David, Nicholas, Logan, Connor, Sophia, Jonathan, Eden, and Levi.

She was preceded in death by her loving husband, Jack Cline, and her seven siblings: Veta, Pitt, Earl, Aaron, Lee, Gene, and Johnnie.

A graveside service will take place at 1:00 p.m. on Friday, January 16, 2026, at the Fort Smith National Cemetery, officiated by the First Baptist Church of Fort Smith, AR. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be sent to the Arkansas Alzheimer’s Association, at 1130 North Rodney Parham Road, Suite 200, Little Rock, AR 72212. Services are under the care of Lewis Funeral Chapel.