Barbara Jo Moring

Barbara Jo "B.J." Moring of Conway, Arkansas, went to her forever home on Friday, January 20, 2023, in her home next to Lake Conway. Her loved ones surrounded B.J. as she transitioned into her new body, finally free of sickness and pain.

B.J. was born in Prescott, Arkansas, on March 25, 1945, to Toney Diemer and Dorthy Lee Baker-Diemer. B.J. grew up in Sweet-home and "Biddle Shops," where she attended Fuller Elementary and East Side Junior High and eventually graduated from Fuller High School. She attended Arkansas Teachers College before entering the workforce.

She leaves behind her husband, Jimmy G. Moring of Conway, sister Patricia Diemer-Smith and husband Eli of Palm Coast FL, son Shane Montgomery of Conway, step-son David Moring and wife, Rita of Conway, Dale Moring of North Little Rock, grandchildren, their spouses and her great-grandchildren (who called her “Mimi”) - Lenee, Sid, Sydney, Emery, and Avery Curtis of Benton, and Jeremy, Sara, Anna Kathryn, and Riley Montgomery of New Orleans, Louisiana, family friend and “adopted” sister DiAnn “Ppi” Phillips, and faithful companion Kiki.

B.J. is preceded in death by her parents Toney and Dorthy Diemer of Little Rock, her brother Toney Diemer Jr. of Searcy, numerous cousins, aunts and uncles, her best friend, Austie Johnson, and her beloved companion, Bella.

She loved life and was an avid spades player, dancer, crappie fisherman, animal lover, and country music fan. She began her career working in her father's grocery store, and worked for Dillards, Edgewood Academy, the Little Rock Hilton, and Canteen Corporation before retiring from Kroger. She spent the rest of her life with Jim, fishing on Lake Conway, hosting fish fries for scores of loved ones, and caring for her dogs.

B.J. was small in stature but huge in personality and presence. She made everyone feel loved, accepted, and welcome into her life and home. Her sense of humor was funny and occasionally sharp. She followed the Razorbacks and loved to attend Arkansas Traveler's Games, and the races at Oaklawn Park. She was a member of the Jim Aldredge Fan Club and, in could be found wherever the band performed, usually dancing with friends or impersonating Tina Turner.

She was still connected with her graduating class from Fuller High School and attended regular class functions until her health declined. She loved reminiscing with her classmates about the good old days of running the streets in 1950s Little Rock. She also developed deep friendships through work and cherished all of those close to her. Toward the end of her life, the members of Conway's Saint Peter's Episcopal Church welcomed her and restored her faith in, and love for, the church. In the last year of her life, Rev. Greg Warren, the church's Rector, became a trusted friend and spiritual advisor.

A special thank you to Gentevia Hospice, who patiently cared for her and the family in her last days. Special thanks to Chaplin Kathy, Case Worker Mary, and nurses Baylee and Sara and all who supported B.J. over the previous two months of her life.

The family will receive visitors at 2:00 PM followed by a celebration of her life at 3:00 P.M., Tuesday, January 24, 2023, at Saint Peter's Episcopal Church, 925 Mitchell St., Conway, Arkansas 72034. The family will place her remains with her beloved Bella, mother and father, and in Lake Conway.

The family requests donations to either Arkansas Children's Hospital or the Mayflower Animal Shelter in place of flowers.