Betty Jo Simmons

With profound sadness, we announce the peaceful passing of our Betty. We are comforted to know she is in the arms of our Father in Heaven and has joined those whom we love in great reunion. Betty was born on Monday, August 2, 1943, in El Dorado, Arkansas, and her masterpiece of a life was completed on Saturday, January 23, 2021. She leaves us all with broken hearts. All who loved her dearly will never forget her beauty, style, tenacity, wit, charm, grace, and undying love and care for them. 

Betty was preceded in death by her parents Omer D. Adams, Sr. and Martha Mae Willis Adams; two brothers, Omer D. Adams, Jr. and John Handley Adams. She is survived by her loving and devoted husband, Robert Andy Simmons. She leaves behind her cherished daughter and family, Marlu Jo Burley McElhany, and her husband, Steve McElhany, and grandson, Sawyer Warry McElhany. Her dear sisters, brother, and families are Clara Sue Ward and her husband, Welby Ward, and nephew Gary Alan Ward; Paula Skipper Orr and nephew, Brandon Skipper and his wife Alicia, and two great-nephews, Asher and Andon; William Gary Adams, and niece, Heather Adams McClendon; Cheryle Adams Sanderson and niece, Piper Sanderson Cunningham and her husband, Paul Cunningham, and great-niece, Arlo Lillie Cunningham; Mary Adams Miller, her husband Russ Miller, and nephew Ryan Miller, Tonya Adams Venturella and Martie Adams Chandelier, nieces and daughters of her deceased brother, Omer; John Jered Adams, nephew, son of her deceased brother, John. Betty had many favorite cousins and friends, including her Red Hat ladies with whom she shared many fond memories.

In Betty's early professional years, she was the number one hairdresser working at Lillie Faye's Beauty Shop in El Dorado. Her schedule was always full as she had earned quite a reputation with her clients. Betty was never one to be idle. Her entrepreneurial spirit led her to work in fine jewelry, and later in life, when she relocated to Clever, Missouri, she opened a family restaurant that became very popular. After retiring, she was on to new adventures. Betty moved to Batesville to be near her sister, Paula. In Batesville, she met and married Robert Andy, planting final roots, and lived next door to her best friend and sister, Paula. 

Betty's delight of her life was her daughter, Marlu. When Marlu married her husband, Steve, and then came grandson Sawyer Warry, Betty's life was complete and happy.

With each Spring came color in the Simmons gardens. Betty loved flowers! She and Robert Andy worked tirelessly and with devotion in creating the most beautiful grounds! Their blossoms were many! People driving by would stop on the road and admire the beauty. So as Spring reveals all of its glory, one can be reminded of Betty with her dazzling green eyes and broad beautiful smile, and know she is gardening and no doubt providing all the flowers needed in Heaven's celebration of eternal life. 

A wish from our Betty was to celebrate her farewell with warm weather, bright sunshine, and blooming flowers. For that reason, her Life Celebration will be announced in March for an April 2021 date.

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Betty Jo Simmons, please visit our floral store.