Betty Jo Henry

Betty Jo Henry was born on April 23, 1936, and went to be with her Lord and Savior on Wednesday, April 9, 2025.

Betty Jo was known for her kindness, generosity, and compassion. She found joy in helping her family and friends in any way she could—whether it was driving them to doctor’s appointments, baking a cake, or making candy to brighten their day. She was a devoted member of Oak View Baptist Church, where she especially loved singing in the choir.

She had a passion for travel that took her to places like Alaska, Hawaii, and Nova Scotia—and she never missed an opportunity to drive somewhere, especially to Arkansas, which she visited almost every other month!

Jo enjoyed many hobbies, including writing her book The Betty Jo Story. But her favorite pastime was what she fondly called “digging in the dirt!” She loved all kinds of flowers and had a true gift for growing things. Above all, Jo was a devoted Christian who loved the Lord with all her heart.

Jo was the youngest of eleven children born to Joe Henry Lampton and Mattie Adams in Russell, Arkansas. As a child, she lived in several states—including Arkansas, Missouri, Michigan, and Nebraska—before settling in Texas in 1956.

She is preceded in death by her parents and her siblings: Ethel, Thelma, Mary, a set of unnamed twins who died at birth, Harry, Henry, Lester, Willa Dean, and Frances.

She is survived by her two sons: A.W. Reeder and his wife Peggy of Seagoville, TX, and Benny Reeder and his wife Paulette of Glen Heights, TX. She is also survived by two grandsons: Aaron Reeder and his wife Stephanie, and Patrick Reeder and his wife Melissa Vance. Jo was thrilled to be a great-grandmother to Erin, with another great-granddaughter, Ember, expected soon.

Other cherished family members include her niece Connie Evans and husband Charles; nephew Jim Lampton and wife Cindy; great-niece Kelly Fuller; and many other nieces, nephews, great-nieces, and great-nephews.

She also leaves behind special friends John and Jean North, along with a host of others too numerous to name.

Services Thursday, April 17, 2025

Visitation: 10:00 AM – 11:00 AM

Funeral: 11:00 AM (Immediately following visitation)

Oak View Baptist Church, 1004 S. Story Rd. Irving, TX 75060

Arrangements entrusted to Colonial Funeral Home, 606 West Airport Freeway, Irving, Texas 75062   https://www.colonialofirvingfuneral.com/

Visitation will be held Friday, April 18, 2025 at Searcy McEuen Funeral Home in Searcy, Arkansas from 12:00-2:00 p.m. and a graveside service will follow in the Carter Cemetery in Russell.

Local Arrangements entrusted to Searcy McEuen Funeral Home.