Betty Ruth Williams

               I’m guessing everyone knew Ms. Betty Ruth Crump Williams, which I am paying tribute to here. You may have your own special memories of her, as just about everyone in Montgomery County has been around Ms. Betty at some point in her life. 

                 Betty Ruth Crump was born on March 28th, 1931 to Hattie Anderson Crump and Clyde Crump. She had one older brother; C.J. Growing up in Norman and graduating from Norman High School with her class of 1948. Ms. Hattie as many folks remember, owned and operated Hattie’s Café. 

On December 10, 1949 she married the love of her life; Bill Williams from Caddo Gap. Bill got a job on the pipeline and they followed his job living in a camper trailer.  Then on November 14, 1951 came their bundle of joy; Charles Wayne. When it was time for Charles Wayne to start school, they came home to Norman. He also is a Norman High School graduate of the 1969 class. 

Bill started working in the gas station business and Betty went to work at the new Indianapolis Glove Factory in Mt. Ida. She worked there for 19 years. After Betty left the glove factory she owned and operated the Lady Like Shop in Norman until she retired in about 2010. 

Ms. Betty was a caretaker. Her beloved husband Bill got cancer and passed away. After Ms. Hattie retired, Betty took care of her mother until her death. Her father and brother also preceded her in death. 

Ms. Betty was a lifelong member of the Norman First Baptist Church. She served as Sunday School teacher, choir member and music director for about 25 years with her beautiful melodious soprano voice. A wonderful Christian lady knowing her Bible very well! 

I’ve told you about her working career earlier and now I’ll tell you some more of Betty’s accomplishments. She was a Justice of the Peace for about 28 years, served on the board of the Black Springs Cemetery for many years and was a Notary Public for years. Then she volunteered at the Norman Library, Historic Norman High School and also used to be involved with The Front Porch Stage and Possum Queen. She was always busy doing something! 

Now, after all of that, she was an avid sports person! She used to bowl on a bowling league winning several trophies. A huge Arkansas Razorback fan. She kept up with the Hawg football, baseball and basketball teams. Go Hogs! 

I’ve had the wonderful pleasure of knowing this lady my whole life! My mother worked with her at the glove factory, I grew up in the Norman First Baptist Church and ten years ago I moved back so we were reunited. I am very proud to have called Betty my friend! She was a beautiful lady inside and out, always willing to help any way she could, any time and any one. She loved big and a kinder, loving woman you will never meet! 

                         By: Rosa Bailey 

A Celebration of Betty’s life will be held at 2:00 PM on Thursday, May 9, 2024 at Norman First Baptist Church with Brother Robert Loudermilk officiating.  

Burial will follow at Black Springs Cemetery.  

Online Guest Book can be found at www.smithfamilycares.com