of West Memphis, AR
June 18, 1937 - February 18, 2026
Betty Branch Stafford, age 88, passed away peacefully on February 18, 2026, in West Memphis, Arkansas. She was born on June 18, 1937, at St. Joseph's Hospital in Memphis, Tennessee, and was raised in Augusta, Arkansas.
Betty dedicated 37 years of service as a school secretary for the West Memphis School District, where she was known for her smile, organization, and steady presence. She was a proud member of the Daughters of the American Revolution and had a deep love for American history. Her faith was an important part of her life, and she faithfully served as a Sunday school teacher at Ingram Boulevard Baptist Church for many years. She was also a devoted member of First Marion in Marion, Arkansas.
Betty found joy in life's simple and beautiful moments. She loved gardening and caring for her flowers, watching hummingbirds, and collecting turtles. She was an avid reader with a lifelong curiosity and appreciation for learning. She also was a notable and lifelong fan of Elvis Presley whose songs brought her great joy and many cherished memories.
Above all, Betty was deeply devoted to her family. She cherished her roles as a sister, wife, mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother. She especially loved her granddaughters, Courtney Bailey Hall and Caitlyn Burks, and took great pride in her great-grandchildren, Mason, Savannah, and Asher Burks. Her love, strength, and determined spirit will live on through them.
She was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Billy Wayne Stafford; her son, Kenneth Wayne Stafford; her brother, William Branch; and her mother, Pauline Simmons Woodward.
She is survived by her loving daughter, Gina Stafford Bailey; her granddaughters, Courtney Bailey Hall (Jimmy Hall) and Caitlyn Burks (Madison Burks); and her cherished great-grandchildren, Mason, Savannah, and Asher Burks.
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17 Condolence(s)
David Mary Ellen Ervin
Friday, March 6, 2026
Loved you Betty.
Teresa West
Friday, February 27, 2026
Love love love Ms. Betty
milton morgan
Wednesday, February 25, 2026
Gina so sorry for your loss , My prayers are with you, Hope you are doing well Love you always!
Rachel French
Monday, February 23, 2026
I want to express my sadness learning of your loss. I met Ms. Stafford in 2024. Ms. Stafford was a very kind woman. I will keep you all in my prayers.
Samantha Neal-Harrison
Monday, February 23, 2026
As a Maddux alumni, it was an honor to know Mrs. Stafford. She was such a sweet lady.
Jo potter stramiello
Sunday, February 22, 2026
Just found out that Betty has died. She was my best friend until I moved from Augusta in 1953. We played basketball together and had hours of fun and conversation in our teens. God bless you all. Though I never met you, I want you to hear from her childhood friend that she was loved by me and my family.
Solonge Ford
Friday, February 20, 2026
A great lady and dear friend❤️
Frankie Yen
Friday, February 20, 2026
Betty was a lovely lady and I enjoyed every moment I spent with her. She will be missed
Freda Paxton
Friday, February 20, 2026
Gina, I'm so sorry for your loss. Betty was such a sweet and wonderful person. I loved her and have missed her the past few years. Praying that God comforts you and gives you peace.
Greg and Sherry George
Friday, February 20, 2026
So sorry to hear about Ms. Betty's passing. She was a great Sunday School teacher to our children. We will be praying for the family.
David Goacher
Friday, February 20, 2026
So very sorry for the passing of your sweet mother. You all are in my prayers.
Cathy Rech
Friday, February 20, 2026
Betty will be missed, I know she is happy in the Lords presence!
Margaret Harrell
Friday, February 20, 2026
Robert and I both loved this sweet and dear lady! Robert called her Betty Boop! Betty loved for Robert to call her that little nickname. She would laugh. She sent Robert birthday cards after we moved. I'm going to miss this sweet lady!
Eddie Mae Washington
Friday, February 20, 2026
Condolences to you Gina , and your family. Remembering you all in prayers.
Glen, Melony and Eleanor Bailey
Friday, February 20, 2026
Mrs. Betty will be greatly missed, we send you our love and condolences in this time of grief.
Edna Layton
Friday, February 20, 2026
I am so sorry to see this… Betty was such a sweet friend… Prayers for all the family that is going to miss her today
PJ Vick
Friday, February 20, 2026
So sorry for your loss, sweet sweet lady…🙏😢❤️