Lela Jean Williams

Lela Jean Bettis Williams was born August 29, 1945 to the union of Buford and Lela Logan in Scranton, Arkansas. The youngest of 11 children. She was educated in Arkansas Public Schools. She graduated from Booker T Washington. At the young age of 16, she accepted Jesus Christ into her life at Poole’s Temple Church of God in Christ. After graduating, she moved to Kansas City, Missouri where she started her career at Sears and Roebuck for several years while also attending college. Upon completion of college, she became employed at Fairmont Diary, 1973, being the first African American woman in production and truck driving. After 32 years of loyal service she retired to begin the next stage in her life.

Lela Jean, as most knew her, begin gardening, hunting, cooking, assisting with raising her kids, grandkids, nieces, nephews, cousins, and even the neighborhood kids. In 2004, Lela Jean won “Neighbor of the year” from Swope Community builders. She received “Good Neighbor” award in 2013 for committing to the quality of life in the neighborhood and community. She belonged to the Ivanhoe Neighborhood Association, the local East Patrol in Combat, and the Front Porch Alliance Program, both of which she received award in 2006 and 2008 for “Yard of the Year.”

She had a beautiful smile and caring heart, she was a mother to all. She truly lived life to the fullest. She never met a stranger that she wouldn’t give the shirt off her back to. She was always willing to assist where the need was great. Anyone who knew her would consider themselves blessed to be a part of her life.

Lela Jean went to be with the Lord on February 13, 2018. She is preceded in death by her parents; Buford and Lela Logan; sister, Helen Logan; three brothers, Joshua Logan, Leray Logan, James Logan; husband, Howard Lamont Bettis, Sr.; and daughter, Mary Craig.

She leaves to cherish her memories four sisters, Pauline Webster, Mary Ellen Ellingberg, Christina Hawkins, Mary Elizabeth Logan Thomas, two brothers, Buford Logan, Harold Logan, two daughters, Monica Yvette Logan, Yvette Johnson, two sons; Howard Lamont Bettis, Jr., Bruce Hodge, 7 great grandchildren, nieces, nephews, cousins and longtime companion William Roseberry and others.