Bettye Inez (Hooter) Griffis

Bettye Inez Griffis, 85, of Lake Village, formerly of Crossett, passed away peacefully on Friday, August 15, 2025. She was born on August 31, 1939, in Bastrop, Louisiana, to her parents, Pervis and Myrtle Evon Sisk Hooter.

Bettye enjoyed gardening, fishing, needlepoint, and crocheting, and using her beautiful voice to sing praises to her Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ.  She was widely admired for her incredible cooking and family gatherings were her greatest delight. 

A devoted wife, mother, and homemaker, Bettye’s life reflected her love for God, her family, and the people around her. She was considered the family’s strongest prayer warrior, covering her loved ones and many others in prayer throughout her life.

Alongside her husband, Bettye began selling pianos out of their home, and with hard work and faith, they grew that dream into Griffis House of Music. More than a place to buy instruments, for thirty years the store became a ministry of love and Christian guidance to all who walked through its doors.  Bettye had a gift for conversation and a heart that welcomed everyone, always seeking an opportunity to share the gospel with whomever God sent her way.

Along with her parents, she is preceded in death by her husband of fifty-six years, Calvin Jackson Griffis.

She leaves behind three children, Doris Baxter (Paul) of Port Washington, WI, Robert “Bob” Griffis (Cindy) of Crossett, and Shelvia Ross (Jim) of Parkdale, AR; one sister, Joyce Hughes (Ronald) of Zwolle, LA; and one sister-in-law, Floy Powell of Monroe, LA; along with seven grandchildren, Kelly Ham (Chris), Jennifer Griffis, Staci McCulley (Darren), Brent Baxter (Robin), Lindsay Giudice (Rich), Rebecca Riley, and J.C. Ross (Rosalind); and twelve great-grandchildren, Phoebe and Dolan McCulley, Corbin and Camryn Ham, Stephen Baxter, Norah Giudice, Layla, Maggie, and Jemma Riley, and Jackson, William, and John Thomas Ross; and a host of nieces, nephews, and cousins.

A Celebration of Life Service will be held at 2:00 p.m., on Tuesday, August 19th, at First Baptist Church of Crossett, 701 Main Street, with Roxanne Garcia, Campbell Wilkerson, and Pastor Phillip Slaughter officiating followed by a private interment at Hickory Grove Cemetery under the direction of Medders Funeral Home of Crossett.  Pallbearers are John Freeman, Chuck Allen, Paul Baxter, Bob Griffis, Jim Ross, J.C. Ross, Brent Baxter, and Stephen Baxter,  Honorary pallbearers are Carlton White, Dan Kersey, Buster Sayger, and Victor Ray Griffis.

Visitation will be from 1:00-2:00 p.m., at the church prior to the service.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Hickory Grove Cemetery Fund in Bettye's honor.  Address listed below.

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