Betty Jean Kendall

Betty was born in Phillips County, Arkansas on July 18th 1958 to Glory Dene Dyson and Curdell Allen, Sr. Betty accepted Christ at an early age at Pleasant Grove Baptist Church in Trenton Arkansas where she remained a faithful and active member of the church, singing in the choir until passing. Betty graduated from Marvell High school in 1976 as a proud Mustang.  She participated in band, cheer leading, chorus, FBLA, speech, and student council. To no one\'s surprise, she was voted “Most Talented.”  After high school, Betty went on to study at Phillips Community College of the University of Arkansas. Betty began her professional career with the State of Arkansas in Child Support Enforcement in 1979. Later, after moving to Washington State, she started working for the City of Tukwila finding success in various roles until she retired and moved back home to Marvell in 2003. At which time, she continued and excelled in her work with the Child Support Enforcement, a position she held until her retirement in May 2023. In 1985, Betty Jean Kendall and Johnny Gray united in holy matrimony. To this union they were gifted precious baby boy, Kendrick Allen Gray.  The family was later blessed with the addition of another boy, HONDA, the Dog. In 2009 Betty Gray and S.B. Mackey were united in holy matrimony. She remained a devoted wife until his passing in 2013. Betty was most widely known for her infectious laughter and contagious smile. Her ability to be compassionate in any situation, resulted in an immeasurable disposition.   Going along with her larger-than-life personality Betty enjoyed dressing in the finest styles on all occasions.   Betty was a coinsure of good food, dating back to her days at Marvell High School. She and Sandra Gill were labeled as “Big Eaters”.  Betty embodied the characteristics of a people person, while living life to the fullest.  Two of her favorite hobbies included fishing and singing. Betty was also known as a devoted animal lover. Betty took joy in giving to the community where she loved all and was loved by all. Betty was proceeded in death by her husband; S.B. Mackey, mother; Glory Dene Kendall, her biological father; Curdell Allen, Sr., her paternal and maternal grandparents. Betty is survived by her life-long father; Cleo Kendall, her son; Kendrick (Cortnay) Allen Gray, a special daughter; Kanaka Knowlton Byrd, four sisters; Debra Allen, Pamela (Ron) Julun, Sheryl Allen, Carol Allen, one brother; Curdell (Angela) Allen, Jr., one grandson; Dae’Von Bovan, and a host of sisters-in-law, brothers-in-law, nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends.  Especially “The Village.” *Note – The Village represents all the people that were by Betty’s side in her time of need.