Bettye Mae Harbison Anderson

Bettye Mae Harbison Anderson, 89, of Morrilton, passed away peacefully on Tuesday, February 22, 2022 at the Lake Hamilton Health and Rehabilitation Center in Hot Springs.  Bettye was born on Nov 5, 1932 to Robert Raymond James and Nancy Giles James. Their time together was short as Bettye’s father died in a car accident when she was very young. She spent her childhood years growing up in Hamburg, was a 1950 graduate of Hamburg High School and a member of the First Baptist Church. For a brief time they lived in California, where her mother worked in the shipyards during the war.  Bettye met the love of her life, Bill Harbison, at a fair. They soon married, raised two children, and spent almost 50 wonderful years together. Her happiest times were when they would load up with their scotty dog, Duffie, and take off on an adventure to Pike's Peak or just a fishing trip to Lake Chicot. She was a homemaker, a member of the Hamburg Garden Club, wrote poetry, a good artist, Cub Scout Leader and would chaperone band trips and dances for “The Mods”.  Bettye was a kind and compassionate woman. She had a warm smile for all and a loving persona. A loving mother, grandmother and great-grandmother, she has left us with many memories, but she has gone to be with those she loved so much. What a wonderful homecoming to have them waiting to receive her with open arms. We will sorely miss her but know that she is at peace. After she lost Bill, she rekindled an old friendship with Ronald Anderson. They soon married and had 20 years together living in Morrilton. 

She is preceded in death by her first husband, Bill Harbison in 1999; her son, William Floyd “Harbo” Harbison in 2015; her parents, Robert Raymond James and Nancy Giles James, a step-brother and three step-sisters.

She is survived by her husband, Ronald Wayne Anderson of Morrilton and her daughter, Bettejo Harbison of Hot Springs. One of the happiest moments in her life was when her granddaughter, Laurin, was born. The smile on her face spoke volumes! Later in life, when her great-grandchildren, Jaxon, Alex, and Amelia came along, she was just as excited. They all brought her so much joy.

Graveside services are 2 p.m., Thursday, February 24, 2022 in the Hamburg Cemetery with Dr. Bobby Pennington officiating.  Memorials may be made to the Humane Society, 14600 Colonel Glenn Road, Little Rock, AR 72210.

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