Betty Jean Turnbow

Mrs. Betty Turnbow was born Betty Jean Wheelington in Hope, Arkansas on Valentine's Day, 1933. From the beginning, she was a firecracker: sassy, full of laughter, and hard-wired to care for others. Her stout determination caught her the husband of her dreams and brought home her two beloved daughters. She was endlessly devoted to Joe and the family they shared. She was his support and partner in business and his caretaker, comforter, and constant companion for 63 years. She fiercely mothered her daughters, as well as any other children or animals who came her way. Betty was well known for her abundant and delicious cooking and the joy she found in sharing. All were welcome in her home and at her table, and no one left her house empty-handed. She was a tireless worker, helping to run Turnbow's Garage, a prolific Avon saleswoman, raising her children and grandchildren, loving the Lord, and keeping her house in order. She took great pride in keeping up "the homestead". A rainbow of flowers never failed to bloom for her, and her garden always yielded bumper crops. She was proud of where she came from and kept hundreds of pictures of seemingly every moment. She was a keeper of family history, and loved sharing pictures and stories of her relatives, her life, and especially her grandchildren. She doted on her grandkids and tried to instill love, hard work, and strong character in them. Instead, she spoiled them with food, gifts, affection, and more food. She was a shining example of a matriarch. Above all else, Betty was an enthusiastic follower of Christ and faithful member of His Church. She sang hymns while she worked and ensured her family and friends knew his teachings. In her 90 years, she was well known as a tireless positive force for her family and community. On October 9th, 2023, Betty Jean Wheelington Turnbow joined her loved ones and her Lord in Paradise. She was 90 years old. She was preceded in death by her devoted, adoring husband of 63 years, Joe Turnbow, and their infant son; her parents, Earl and Pearl Wheelington; and her brothers, Buel and Euel Wheelington. She is survived by her sister, Margaret Ginn; her daughters, Sherry Phillians and Jerrie Woods; four grandchildren, Mallory Woods Purvis (Austin), Matthew Woods (Gabrielle), John Phillians (Rebecca), and Julie Phillians Quinn (Ryan); three great-grandchildren, Jackson Woods, Evelyn Woods, and Caroline Woods; and many nieces, nephews, countless extended family, beloved friends, and brothers and sisters in Christ.

Visitation will be held Thursday, October 12, 2023, from 6:00p.m. to 8:00p.m. at Delancey Funeral Home in Marked Tree, Arkansas.

Funeral service will be held Friday, October 13, 2023, at 1:00p.m. at Delancey Funeral Home in Marked Tree, Arkansas.

Interment will follow at Marked Tree Cemetery.

Arrangements are under the care of Delancey Funeral Home in Marked Tree, Arkansas.