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 Betty Jo Floyd


BETTY JO PICKENS FLOYD devoted wife, mother, grandmother, friend and teacher passed away at her home in Cherokee Village, Wednesday, April 16, 2008 with family by her side. She was born June 5, 1933, in Birmingham, AL, to Henry Wilson and Dosia Marie Pickens. She spent her early childhood in Tupelo, Mississippi and moved to Carlisle, Arkansas in 1945, where her dad owned the Lyle Theater and Betty was the official popcorn popper until she graduated from high school. She received a Bachelor's Degree in Business Education from Arkansas Tech University, where she also met her husband to be, Don Floyd, and a Master's in Education from Arkansas State University. Betty taught business classes in Charleston, Stuttgart, Jonesboro, and North Little Rock before retiring in 1985. Feared by her students, they often said although she was one of the toughest teachers they ever had, she was one of the best and many considered her a friend in their adult life.
An avid football fan, Betty was the best sideline coach a head coach could ever have. She made many friends by following her football coach husband, from Charleston, to Stuttgart, and Arkansas State University.
Betty was a loyal servant of God and a dedicated member of the Cherokee Village United Methodist Church where she was active in the Priscilla Circle, previously served as chair of the Finance Committee and the annual bazaar and was the active treasurer of the church at the time of her death.
She is survived by her husband of 53 years, Don Floyd of Cherokee Village, daughter, Donna Floyd and granddaughter Ally Gimon, daughter, Marty Floyd and her husband Bill Goff and granddaughter, Lindsey Moore all of Little Rock. She will be missed by her family and the many friends.
Playing bridge was a passion, she loved to dance and host parties and her motto for a party was always the more the merrier! The doors of Betty's home were always open and not a person entered that didn't feel welcome. To honor her "open door", loving heart, friendship and life, the family will receive visitors, at the home, 28 North Lakeshore Drive, Friday, April 18, from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m.
A memorial service will be held at the Cherokee Village United Methodist Church, Saturday, April 19, 2008, at 11:00 a.m. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the Cherokee Village United Methodist Church, P.O. Box 420, Cherokee Village, AR 72525.
 





Condolences and Messages
Message From: Sonny & Martha Ann Moery Email Address: mamoery@centurytel.net
We have such fond memories of Betty. She and Joan were such good friends.
Message From: Sanford Hutson Email Address: shutson@cox.net
I just read that Betty had passed and am SO sorry that I will not be there for the home visitation tonight. Betty was always so "upbeat" whenever I talked with her over these past years, and I can verify that she was the loudest, most energetic football fan when Coach Floyd was at Stuttgart! Nobody seemed to be a stranger to her during her life. Coach, I am saddened by your loss and admire the close bond you both had over 53 years of marriage. Please know I am thinking of the entire family during this time, and I know the assembly of people at the home tonight will be a testimony to her fun approach to life. God Bless Betty Floyd, and start smiling when she arrives in Heaven. Dr. Sanford Hutson Springdale, AR
Message From: Lyn Becker Rhein Email Address: ronald062@centurytel.net
I have fond memories of Mrs. Floyd when she taught at SHS. She was a tough, but loving teacher and a very vocal supporter of the Ricebirds. While her family mourns her, they have the assurance of her celebrating in Heaven with God. Lyn Becker Rhein, Stuttgart, AR
Message From: Martha and Jerry Virden Email Address: jerryvirden@suddenlink.net
Dear Don and family, Jerry and I were so sorry to hear about Betty. You are all in our thoughts and prayers. Martha and Jerry
Message From: Brenda & John Shields Email Address:
Dear Floyd Family, We are so sorry to hear of your loss. Ms Betty was a fine person and loved by all. We will be praying for you during this difficult time. Remember her life was a celebration and continue that celebration in her honor. God Bless, Brenda & John Shields Hardy
Message From: Marian & Harold Smith Email Address: hssmts@sbcglobal.net
Dear Don,Donna & Marty, know that you are in our hearts and prayers during your time of need; we found, in our loss of Hal, that God will give the strength and peace that we so needed when we turn to Him. With our love, Marian & Harold
Message From: Bud Herlein Email Address: eddie@ncbenefits.net
To Coach and the entire Floyd family, now we truly have an angel looking over us. God Bless you all. Bud & Woodie Sue Herlein
Message From: Hugh & Emily Vick Email Address: hvick@hotmail.com
Dear Don,Donna,and Marty.So many memories of the wonderful years of friendship with Betty and you. We will be comforted by those for the rest of our lives.
Message From: Bill Garrison, Jonesboro, AR 72404 Email Address: bgarrison@suddenlink.net
Dear Floyd Family, Mrs. Floyd was one of my favorite teachers at Jonesboro High School from 1964-66. She made everyone fell like they were important and special. She was our Student Council advisor those years also and we all loved her. I am very saddened to hear of her passing. She will be remembered for generations to come. There is no way to lessen the sorrow of losing someone so special to you, but please remember others care very much and wish you strength and peace at this sad time. With Sympathy, Bill Garrison, JHS Class 1966
Message From: Jeff DeVazier Email Address: jeffd@mackspw.com
To Coach, Donna and Marty. I'm so very sorry of the passing of your wife/mother. As I'm sure you know I was very fond of "Mrs Floyd" and have always thought of her and all of you in very high regard. I am also very thankful and proud to have had her influence in my life when we were kids. God Bless
Message From: Keith Johnston Email Address: johnstok@pacbell.net
To Coach Don and all the family, I am sorry to hear of your loss. I had Betty as a typing teacher back in the 60's (a skill that has served me well, by the way). I still remember her spirit and enthusiasm, both in class and at pep rallies at Stuttgart High. I consider it a privilege to have known her and Don at that school. My condolences to all of the family.
Message From: Joe B. Henderson,Jr. Email Address: joehenderson@smithermartin.com
Dear COACH, I am much saddened to hear of Mrs. Floyd,s passing. She was a wonderful person, teacher, friend and mentor, and absolutely full of life! She kept us all in line and taught us much much more than typing. Like numerous others, I was always impressed with her obvious love for you and the strong marital bond between you. You both were tremendous role models for all us and without doubt, impacted the many lives you touched in the most favourable ways. The Henderson family extends our heartfelt sympathies and condolences to you and your family. God Bless you all.
Message From: Ray E. Vester Email Address: raves@cpomail.net
Coach Don and family I sorry to hear of your loss. I never had Betty for a teacher, but always apprecated her support of Coach and the team. My prayers are with you at this time of loss.
Message From: Kathy Hahn Email Address: khahn@gulftel.com
Dear Coach Floyd,Donna,Marty and girls: My first memories start on Tony Drive and go all the way to a couple of years ago sitting in the stands with Betty cheering on the Indians in Little Rock! Even with oxygen on she had the energy to get upset with the players!!! Lots of memories,lots of fun.You all have those to cherish.Even though I can't be with you in person know I'm there with you in spirit.I love you all.
Message From: Jim & Judy DeVazier Email Address: jdevazier@suddenlink.net
Don and Family, we are so sorry to hear about Betty. Knowing of her long illness, we knew she wouldn't give up easily. Good memories will be with us from years past. God bless.
Message From: Joy Palsa Mason Email Address: jmason@centurytel.net
Dear Don & Girls: I am so sorry of Betty's passing. We were classmates from 6th grade through high school. I have spent a lot of nights with her when we had school activities as I loved in the counrty. When Bill and I were married she was Maid of Honor at our wedding. She came and spend the week end with me last year when we had our annual Alumni festival. You all have my deepest sympathy and I do have a lot of precious memories we shared. God Bless you all!! Sincerely, Joy
Message From: Joy Palsa Mason Email Address: jmason@centurytel.net
Dear Don & Girls: I am so sorry of Betty's passing. We were classmates from 6th grade through high school. I have spent a lot of nights with her when we had school activities as I lived in the counrty. When Bill and I were married she was Maid of Honor at our wedding. She came and spend the week end with me last year when we had our annual Alumni festival. You all have my deepest sympathy and I do have a lot of precious memories we shared. God Bless you all!! Sincerely, Joy
Message From: Tamara Stevens Maertens Email Address: tamara.maertens.sbcglobal.net
I am a member of Stuttgart class of '63. I will not be able to attend the visitation. I will always treasure the leadership qualities she instilled in us. I will keep the family in my prayers.
Message From: Jerry Sparrow Email Address: jssparrow@suddenlink.net
Coach Floyd, So sorry to hear of Mrs. Floyd's passing. I have a lot of fond memories of you and Mrs. Floyd. We extend our deepest sympathy to you and your family. Sincerely, Jerry and Susan Sparrow
Message From: Marian Dickson Email Address: mddickson@classicnet.net
Coach Floyd, I just opened the paper and read about Betty's death. I cried when I read it. I loved Betty. How could anyone not love her? My heart is so sad. What wonderful memories I have of our days at Stuttgart High School. What a joy it was to get to spend time with her when you spoke to the student body at Stuttart High School three years ago. I will never forget turning around and seeing you and Betty at Dale's funeral, and how I wish I could be there today to embrace you and Donna and Marty. Please know that my love and prayers and deepest sympathy are with you all. Most sincerely, Marian
Message From: Leonard and Mary Lou McDaniel Email Address: leonardmcdaniel@suddenlink.net
Don and Family, we were saddened to hear of Betty's death. We have enjoyed our personal and professional relationships for these many years; we will be remembering you in our prayers. May God bless.
Message From: Danny and Paula Stobaugh Email Address: stobaugh321@yahoo.com
Dear Floyd Family: We are so sorry to have lost Mrs. Floyd. The world will be lessened by such a sweet soul. May your family be comforted by God's grace during this very difficult time.
Message From: Sue Grimes Schwartz Email Address: msghome@verizon.net
My condolences to Betty's family. The class of 1963 still keeps in touch with our Ricebird'63 group email and the memories of high school are treasured. Don and Betty Floyd gave of themselves to the studens at SHS with their guidance and genuine concern. I know Betty will be fondly remembered by so many. May your loving, family memories help to heal your pain.
Message From: Mitri Karkur Greenhill Email Address: mgreenhill@centurytel.net
Dear Coach and family, I was so sorry to learn of your loss. When I read about your 50th anniversary in the Gazette, I called and had a great visit with Betty. She will always be remembered as one of my favorite teachers. May God bless you.
Message From: Mark Panneck Email Address: apanneck@suddenlink.net
Dear Donna: I am so sorry to hear about your mother's passing. She was a great teacher.
Message From: Jerry Miller Email Address: smill3701@sbcglobal.net
Dear Don and Family: I was sorry to hear about Betty. I didn't realize that she had gotten worse over time. She and June were good friends. June and Joan used to go on trips in the summer with Betty and Mr. and Mrs. Pickens. My family extends their sympathy to you and your family. Sincerely, Jerry.
Message From: Jeannine Bull Haller Email Address: jeannine.haller@wamu.net
Dear Floyd Family: I'm so sorry to hear about Betty. I remember fondly the wonderful times at SHS during the 60's. My thoughts and prayers are with you all. May God give you comfort. Jeannine
Message From: Terry Trice Email Address: ttrice@riceland.com
Coach Floyd, I was saddened to learn of Mrs Floyd's death. I still remember vividly her charging into a pep rally to light us up when she didn't think the spirit we were showing fit the occasion. Deepest sympathies to all the Floyd family. God Bless. Terry.
Message From: DONNA (JOHNSON) HERRING Email Address: D.HERRING@TRANSPLACE.COM
I JUST READ ABOUT BETTY. I CANNOT TELL YOU HOW SORRY I AM. WE LIVED NEXT DOOR TO YA'LL IN STUTTGART, ON MEADOW LANE WHEN THE GIRLS WERE SMALL AND I REMEMBER YOU AS A WONDERFUL FAMILY.
Message From: Terri Crawford Dill Email Address: dillpkl@webzone.net
Coach Floyd: Our prayers are with you and your family. Our families shared some wonderful times and we will miss Mrs. Floyd. Mary Ann, Harry and Terri
Message From: Jackie and Sharon Smith Email Address: jackie@cyberback.com
Coach, we were deeply saddened by Mrs. Floyd's death, but those precious memories will always keep her alive in our hearts. As I type this note, I am thankful for Mrs. Floyd's dedication and persistence in teaching me to type. And for a small woman, she had a booming voice which taught me 'spirit' for my team. Our prayers are with you and your family. Jack and Sharon
Message From: Kay Tindall Trice Email Address: travis013@centurytel.net
Coach Floyd, I was so sad to read about Mrs. Floyd's death. She was such a special person and teacher. She taught me typing a skill I have used all of my life. I will be thinking of you and your family in this time of sorrow. Sincerely Kay
Message From: Nina Martin Email Address: ninaj1932@yahoo.com
My thoughts and prayers are with you. My deepest sympathy. Love, Nina

 

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