Betty Ray Spann Shoptaw, of Sheridan, Arkansas was born January 21, 1945 in Little Rock, Arkansas, the daughter of the late Charlie W. and Georgia Lee Ward Spann. She was an active member of Hope Pentecostal Church at Sheridan for over 41 years. She served her Lord faithfully through Hopes Helping Hands, sending cards, preparing food and helping anyone in their time of need.


She raised her children in church and enjoyed camping, raising roses in her yard, cooking and spending precious time with her family.

Betty Ray died Thursday, April 7, 2016 at Saline Memorial Hospice in Bryant at the age of 71.

In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband, Charles D. Shoptaw.

Survivors: sons, Bud Gregory and wife Heather of Benton; Ray Dean Shoptaw and wife Twylia of Grapevine; daughters, Sharon Bryant and husband Steve of Sheridan; Sonya Baxter of Hot Springs, Elizabeth Giblin and husband Louis of Benton, Renae McClure and husband Johnny of Sheridan; sisters, Rosia Lee Bell of Hot Springs, Loretta White and husband Howard of Fairview, Charline Golden and husband Tony of Jacksonville; 9 grandchildren; 9 great grandchildren and a host of nieces, nephews and friends.

Funeral services will be 10:00 A.M. Saturday, April 9, 2016 at Memorial Gardens Funeral Home Chapel with Bro. Keith Pennington and Bro. Walt Hollis officiating. Burial will follow at Philadelphia Cemetery in Prattsville. Visitation will be Friday from 6-8 PM at the funeral home.

She will be remembered as a loving mother, grandmother and friend to many.

Pallbearers are Rusty Hawkins, Shawn White, Michael White, Danny Mathis, Ron Mathis, Gary Mathis, Adam Smith and Justin Moody. Honorary pallbearers are Carl Gene Smith and Ron Casey.