Betty M Curtis

Betty Jo Martin Curtis, 92, of Horseshoe Bend, Arkansas, left her earthly body Wednesday, January 19, 2022.

Betty was born September 25, 1929, in Laneburg, Arkansas, Nevada County, to Josie Sue Cofield and Henry Clinton Martin and was the oldest of three children. She lived in Laneburg until moving to Hope, Arkansas, in 1943, and graduating from Hope High School in 1947. The next few years she spent in Business School and accounting work until she met her soulmate, Clifton Curtis ultimately marrying in 1950 and moving to Chicago, Illinois. They bought and grew a trucking business and spent the next 35 years in the Chicago and Palatine, Illinois area. Their daughter Cindy was born in 1961. Despite being co-owner of Clif’s Cartage and serving in the First Baptist Church, Betty spent countless hours attending dance recitals, parades, and gymnastics competitions with Cindy. One of her greatest treasures was the time spent leading Camp Fire Girls and seeing Cindy achieve the highest rank and the Wo-He-Lo medallion. In 1990, they sold the business to retire and spent the next three years traveling the country to attend Clif’s Navy reunions. Betty was so proud of Clif’s service and spent many hours organizing reunions. In 1993, Betty and Clif moved to Horseshoe Bend, Arkansas and settled into their dream house on Crown Lake. For the next 28 years, known as Ms. Betty to most, she selflessly served the community and spent hours volunteering for the Chamber of Commerce, the Recycling Center, and truly devoted her life to The Horseshoe Bend Garden Club and her beloved Beta Sigma Phi and the multitude of “sisters” she loved. She was one of the longest active members of BSP and was honored for 70 years of membership at convention. She served four terms as President, multiple years as treasurer and headed up the annual Nut Sale to raise money for local scholarships. As a member, she was awarded the Pace Award two times, in 1998 as the Woman of the Year and in 2019, as the Valentine Queen. Included in Betty’s service to the many organizations she loved came the recognition she most deserved for her time and efforts. She was named Chamber Member of the Year, rode proudly as the Grand Marshal of the July 4th Parade, and was recognized for her valuable contributions to the Garden Club. In 2021, Betty moved to Waco, Texas to be near Cindy and enjoyed a beautiful view of the lake each day. She will be remembered for her untiring service, kind heart, infectious smile, ability to organize and lead and her love of family and friends.

Betty is survived by her loving and devoted daughter, Cindy Curtis of Waco, Texas; second daughter by choice, Tracy Teaff of Waco, Texas; sisters-in-law, Dal Meccia and Patti Curtis; numerous nieces and nephews and many friends she loved along her journey.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Clif Curtis; sister, Nancy Lacy, brother, Bill Martin and her parents, Henry and Josie Martin.

Funeral services will be held Saturday, January 29, 2022, at Doty Family Funeral & Memorial Service Chapel in Horseshoe Bend, Arkansas beginning at 2:00 PM with Bro. Tom Doty officiating. Visitation will be prior to the service at 1:00 PM. A Celebration of Life will be held in Hope, Arkansas at a later date.

In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to the Horseshoe Bend Garden Club, 904 Pearl Drive, Horseshoe Bend, AR 72512.

Arrangements entrusted to Doty Family Funeral & Memorial Service of Horseshoe Bend, Arkansas.