Bettye (Morgan) Barnett

Bettye Barnett, age 82, a lifelong resident of Crossett, passed away on Friday, January 30, 2026. She was born on February 21, 1943, and was a proud graduate of Crossett High School, Class of 1961. On graduation day, she married the love of her life, and the two of them shared fifty-three wonderful years together.

Bettye was a faithful member of First Baptist Church of Crossett and the JOY Sunday School Class. Along with Linda White and Shirley Cummins, she helped start the church’s “Shut-In” ministry--an act of love that reflected her caring heart and her desire to reach those who could not attend services in person.

She loved Southern gospel music and loved the Lord even more. Bettye was outspoken and strong in what she believed, and she wasn’t afraid to tell it like it was—but she had a big heart, too. She was a loyal friend, a trusted confidant, and a true prayer warrior who stayed on her knees for the people she loved.

She worked for a few years at the First Methodist Church Daycare before becoming secretary for her husband’s business, Barnett Builders, where she helped keep everything running smoothly.

Outside of work, Bettye loved the simple joys of life—going fishing, cooking, and spending time with her family. Feeding her people was her love language, and everybody knew you were in for a treat when she made her famous mayonnaise cake or those homemade dumplings.

More than anything, Bettye adored her grandchildren. She was their biggest fan and rarely missed a single ballgame, program, or activity—she was always right there cheering them on. One of her favorite traditions after Thanksgiving, was when she and her grandkids would make candies, cookies, and holiday treats together—making sweet memories that will last a lifetime.

Awaiting her in Heaven is her beloved husband, Leland Barnett; her parents, Hughey and Maysel Ray Morgan; one brother and sister in-law, Nathan and Vera Morgan; brother in-law, Norman Barnett; one great-grandson, Joseph Douglas Parks; and a best friend, Linda White.

She leaves behind three children, Debbie Parks (Ricky), Meleah Rainey (Jeff), and Lee Barnett (Robin) all of Crossett; along with brother in-law, Mike Barnett (Rosia) of Searcy, AR; seven grandchildren, Adam Parks (Whitney), Heath Parks (Tanya), Kristy Fox (Drew), Ryne Rainey (Corin), Morgan Rainey,  Avery Carter (Tucker), and Dalton Barnett; nine great-grandchildren, Josie, Jenson, Jorgia, Leland, Alena and Beau Parks, Braden and Tanner Fox, and Addie Rainey; best friends, Hannah Weir and Shirley Cummins; and seven special nieces and nephews.

A Celebration of Life Service will be held at 1:00 p.m., Friday, February 6th, at First Baptist Church of Crossett, 701 Main St, with Bro. Eric Hodge and Bro. Donald Stafford, officiating, followed by interment at Crossroads Cemetery under the direction of Medders Funeral Home of Crossett.  Pallbearers are Adam Parks, Heath Parks, Ryne Rainey, Drew Fox, Tucker Carter, Michael Barnett, David Robinson, and James Jones.  Honorary pallbearers are the JOY Sunday School Class, Billy Reynolds, Campbell Wilkerson, Reagan Craig, Charlie Cummins, Robert Doug Stone, Jenson, Leland and Beau Parks, and Braden and Tanner Fox.

Visitation will be from 6:00-8:00 p.m., Thursday, at First Baptist Church of Crossett.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the First Baptist Church “shut-in” ministry in care of Linda McDougald, 701 Main St., Crossett, AR 71635.

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