Betty Runnels

JONESBORO, Ark. -- Elizabeth Lee "Betty" Clark Runnels, 87, of Jonesboro died Wednesday, March 19, 2014, at Jonesboro Health and Rehab. She had lived in Jonesboro since 1970, moving from Paragould, Ark.

Betty was a member of First Presbyterian Church in Jonesboro and had served as a deacon. She was a member of the Presbyterian Women's Organization, an avid bridge player and loved gardening.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Milford Runnels; a son, Stephen Runnels; two brothers, Carl Clark and Mendell Clark; and her parents, Claud and Elois Clark.

Survivors include two daughters, Sandra Runnels Puryear (Bobby) of Jonesboro, Carol Runnels Welch (Jerry) of Counce, Tenn.; a daughter-in-law, Dorothy Runnels of Forrest City; a sister, Jean Copeland of Cape Girardeau; six grandchildren; four great-grandchildren; and a special family friend, Jane Jamison.

Burial will be at 11 a.m. today in Bollinger County Cemetery at Marble Hill, Mo.

A memorial service will be held at 11 a.m. Saturday at First Presbyterian Church in Jonesboro, with the Rev. Dr. Chris Jones and eulogist Donn Mixon officiating. Organist will be Harriett O'Neal.

Visitation will be from 10 a.m. until service time Saturday.

Emerson Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.

For lasting memorials, please consider NICU at St. Bernard's Medical Center, 225 E. Jackson St., Jonesboro, AR 72401; First Presbyterian Church, 710 Southwest Drive, Jonesboro, AR 72401; or Bollinger County Memorial Park Cemetery, 410 Union St., Marble Hill, MO 63764.

To sign an online guest book, go to emersonfuneralhome.com.