2020.01.09 THROW BACK THURSDAY - RESPONSES FROM LAST WEEK plus Class News

THROW BACK THURSDAY - RESPONSES FROM LAST WEEK plus Class News

I received so many responses from last week's Class News about the passing of Betty Barnard that I typed everything up and gave copies to her children when Igor and I went to Tupelo for her funeral.  I've received a few more postings since then.  I'm listing all the responses below mainly so her children can enjoy reading the ones I received after leaving town.  They asked me to keep her email open because her husband, Ben, uses it and they check it.  So here goes:

SWEET REMEMBRANCES OF YOUR WIFE AND MOTHER,

BETTY ANN BARNARD REESE (1938-2019),

FROM HER LITTLE ROCK CHILDHOOD FRIENDS

January 4, 2020

I am sad. She always held a special place in my heart. We didn’t see much of each other in recent years; but when we did meet, it was always warm and joyful.  Betty and I once had a “one day stand” where she came over to my house on west 11th street. We were in the third grade at Robert E. Lee grammar school at the time. Our “Tryst” consisted of sitting close on the living room sofa, holding hands, snuggling and we may have actually kissed once; I don’t remember for sure. My mother had let us know she was nearby by rattling some pots/ pans in the kitchen, to let me know we had to be careful about going too far.

Other “girlfriends of that distant era included”: Jane Murray, Linda Cooke and Margaret somebody (cannot remember last name) who wore glasses and lived out on Madison Street in Oak Forest.

Joe Crow

Betty was legendary in my gym class.  Her work on the trampoline would stop everything, all in awe of her talent.  She was the personification of grace and beauty.  I will always remember her.

Don Crowder

Betty and I became friends at West Side Junior High.  We had some classes together, mutual friends and her personality was such that you wanted to know her.  She was a very good tennis player and in the summer she agreed to meet me at the Tennis Courts at Little Rock Central to teach me how to play.  Though she was a good teacher, I was hopeless.  Turns out I was better at smash mouth football than the grace of tennis.

We both continued our friendship at Arkansas Tech.  Betty was a sweetheart who looked out for me like a big sister.  I will always have fond memories of her grace and friendship; and certainly will miss her knowing she is gone to a better place.

Bill Harmon

 Wish I had seen this message sooner.  

Betty Barnard and I met in fourth grade.  Same time I met Sandra Henley.  The three of us were fast friends all through our grade school days at Oakhurst.  The “Three Musketeers” in those years.    We continued to be friends all our school years as we added new friends in junior high and high school.    

As with all of us after our school days were over we left home and made our lives away from Little Rock.  Betty was a very big part of my life growing up.  She and Sandra were always  extremely special to me. Both were there they day I got married to John.  

Over the years at our LRCHS reunions Betty and I would connect and it was if it had just been a few days since we had talked.  She got to know John and they had a great friendship too.  If he was not near when we saw each other she always asked about him, and usually he would join us and they could talk about there common interest.  They had a few medical procedures that they shared.  

She was a dear childhood friend who continued to be a friend all my life.  

It is sad I have now lost two of my dearest childhood friends.  They were special to me as to many others.

I am so glad Betty was part of my life, especially in those early years.  We had so much fun and I think of those times often.  Roller skating, building an outline of a house with pine needles at recess, movies on Saturday and laughing and playing together.  

My deepest sympathy to all the family.  My prayers go out to each of you.  

Jo Lynn Hill 

BETTY & I LIVED NEAR EACH OTHER ON FILMORE STREET DURING SENIOR YEAR AT LRCHS.  I ALWAYS LIKED BETTY, SHE WAS ALWAYS  NICE TO WE KIDS AT THE METHODIST CHILDREN'S HOME,  

HAROLD G. (HARRY) JONES. J1S.  

I was so sorry to hear about Betty. She was another Brownie and Girl Scout member with our troop.  I can’t think of any specific memory but do remember her as a sweet, very fun girl.   So sad to lose so many of our friends. 

Barbara May Boyd

I can’t remember exactly when I met Betty.  It just seems as though I’ve known her forever.  Her most endearing quality to me was her sweetness.  She always had that smile on her face . . . unless someone had made a terrible mistake by crossing her.  Then Katy bar the door!!!  She was the kind of friend you dream of . . . always there.  You never doubted her friendship.  And, boy, did she love all of you.  It started with Adrian and then doubled, tripled, oh my gosh, on and one until suddenly there was a family of 8!  I guess I should say 9 because she always took care of her Mother.  I’ve known many wonderful Mothers, but I’ve never known one that loved her children more.  It was almost impossible to carry on a conversation with her when she didn’t work one of you into whatever we were talking about.  If it was about that wonderful dinner we had, then one of you was the best cook ever.  If it was about computers, one of you was an ace and could answer any question I had.  And on and on it went.  I’ll never forget Betty.  She was a very loved, special (as several have said) and cherished person.

Mary Lou Medlock

Hi 

This trip to Tupelo  --is so much like you, Mary Lou.  U are a wonderful caring person.

Yes betty was special.  Betty (and husband)  was at our last big get together --I think it was  in 2016-- In LR --and I got to talk with her as well as Morris Ison and Robert Kent -

Betty helped me as sort of a swim mentor to me at the LRBoys Club.

When brother Billy passed away I did phone her and did contact her about a present Billy had given  to me at his home in NLR.

Love,

Gaylon Mulkey 

ML: Betty lived in my block on S. Fillmore St. south of the Methodist Childrens' Home. She was the first person my age I met when my family moved to LR. I was in the 8th grade. She took me by the hand and taught me how to get from Oak Forest to West Side Jr. High via city bus, transferring once. I was forever greatful. Funny about life's coincidences. She lived in Tupelo, which isn't far from Corinth where my mother grew up. Betty died the day before my birthday. Thanks for keeping us all in touch.

Roselyn Parrish Stanley (Class of 1955)

Never could beat Betty at swim meets.  But loved being part of it.  

That’s great that you are making this trip.

Diann Perrier

M.L., Betty and I went from Oakhurst grammar school, to West Side and Central together.  We both lived in Oak Forest. I dearly loved Betty and she was a very kind and loving person.  Some years ago I spent time visiting with her in Memphis at one of our many Central fun times.  I will dearly miss her as will the world.

M.L., I wish I could join you guys but I would be a burden so give her family our sincere praise of a wonderful woman and a kind soul.

Ronnie Smith

I had many hours of fun in the 10th grade with six women, including your Mother.  We were all learning how to dance.  They became my best friends.  Betty could really “shake a leg”.  I spent many an hour with your Mother being best of friends who never dated, just being friends.  She will certainly be missed by me.

Tommy Thomas

Sad to lose Betty. I remember her face distinctly because in art class she was my subject for a portrait in pencil. I think I did a good job on that. Wish I still had it!

Barbara Welton

CLASS NEWS

Sadly our Class News this week includes the death of another beloved classmate, Robert "Scotty" Scott.  Scotty passed away last Sunday.  He had been in failing health for some time.  His wife, Judith Herbert, was in the Class right behind us, '57.  Because of her excellent and loving care, his life was extended by several years.  I don't believe an obituary has been posted yet.  They are planning a graveside service in Dallas, I believe.

And more sad news.  John Moses' bout with cancer has traveled and intensified.  He is in the ICU in Richmond, VA.   Like Scotty, John has been in failing health for some time.

I attended Betty Barnard's funeral with Jim and Nancy (Bostic) Diffee.  I'm happy to report that they are doing well and looking great!  Well, not so much for Jim, but definitely for Nancy!!!  LOL

Have a great rest of the first full week of 2020!

ML