Betty Lou Buckman Blaylock

Betty Lou Blaylock, age 83, passed from this life into Eternity at Unity Health Medical Center in Searcy, Arkansas on May 26, 2016 due to complications from Alzheimer’s Disease.  She was born on October 3, 1932 in Havana, Arkansas, to Ezra and Ocie Gray Buckman.  Betty was the eighth of nine children.  She was preceded in death by her parents and all of her brothers and sisters:  Gene Brinkmeyer; Lalle Dahlstrom; Noble Joseph Buckman; Arnold Buckman; James Buckman; Jack Buckman; Billie Lassiter; Raymond Buckman.  Betty loved her siblings and enjoyed sharing and remembering the experiences of growing up in a large family.

Betty was a graduate of Havana High School.  Shortly after graduation Betty married her high school sweetheart Paul Blaylock, and they would have celebrated their 67th anniversary on May 28, 2016.

Betty is survived by her husband, Paul Blaylock of Hazen, Arkansas; her daughter Paula Doss; son-in-law Rick Doss, of Little Rock, Arkansas.  She was Mamoo to granddaughter, Jennifer Doss; and great-grandson Noble James Doss, also of Little Rock.  Betty and great-grandson Noble shared a special love for each other.  She is also survived by numerous cousins, nieces, nephews, and great nieces and nephews.

Betty was a member of Hazen First Baptist Church for 62 years.  She loved her church and served by teaching three year olds in Sunday school and Vacation Bible School for many years.  She wanted even the littlest children to know about Jesus and His love for them.  Later in life Betty took on the responsibility of cleaning the church and did so with love and attention to detail and gave that up only when Alzheimer’s began to severely affect her memory.

Betty and Paul moved to Hazen, Arkansas in 1954.  They grew to love this small town on the Prairie and were active in their church and community.  They attended sporting events as long as their health allowed and loved to cheer on the Hornets.  Betty was a member of the Hazen Study Club and valued time spent with friends while working on community projects.

Betty retired as a teacher’s aide from Hazen Elementary School after many years of service.  Even after afflicted by Alzheimer’s she would spot a child across the room, her face would light up, and she would want to make her way to them.

Betty loved being outside and enjoyed walks around her neighborhood, just to see who she could see.  She also enjoyed camping, fishing, and traveling.  Betty was always ready to go anyplace any time, a trait she inherited from her dad.  “Miss” Betty was known in Hazen for her popcorn balls and loved handing them out to kids of all ages at Halloween.

Betty gave her all to everything that she did – she believed in doing a job and doing it well, and she did so with endless energy and determination.  Sitting still was not something she knew much about.

Alzheimer’s robbed Betty of her personality and memory too soon.  Her family and friends will always remember her outgoing personality, her quick smile, her hearty laugh, and her love of people.  We are grateful for the staff at Des Arc Nursing and Rehab who loved her and cared for her during these difficult days.  We are grateful too, for family and friends who have prayed for and supported Betty, Paul, and her family.

Funeral services will be Saturday, May 28, 2016 at 10:00 a.m. at First Baptist Church in Hazen, Arkansas, Bro. Jim McDaniel officiating.  Burial will be at Havana Cemetery at 2:00 p.m. in Havana, Arkansas. Funeral services are provided by Westbrook Funeral Home of Hazen.