Biography: Elizabeth "Betty" Abbott Carter, 87, of Little Rock went to be with the Lord on Tuesday, December 13, 2016. She was born in Vincent, Alabama, to Anna Evelyn Bishop Abbott and Albert Greene Abbott. Betty met Oliver Reuben "Ben" Carter, a young Auburn graduate student, on a blind date. Ben always said he immediately fell in love with her, and that she was the most beautiful woman he had ever seen. They married on Christmas Eve 1948, in Talladega, Alabama, and their 66 year adventure began, raising 3 children while living and traveling all over the world. She never met a stranger and loved everyone. Although her primary focus was devoted wife and mother, Betty was a woman of many talents and interests. She loved sewing, decorating, and painting, and she could create anything one could ask for. An avid gardener, Betty?s yard was featured in Arkansas Gardener magazine. She loved to entertain and share her beautiful yard and home. Betty was a proud descendant of Alabama pioneers and she enjoyed genealogy. Betty was a member of the Daughters of the American Revolution, Beta Sigma Phi, the Garden Club, and The Horticulture Club. She volunteered at the Arkansas Arts Center, The Decorative Arts Museum, and spent countless hours decorating trees for the CARTI Festival of Trees. She was a faithful member of Second Presbyterian Church and loved decorating for church events. She was active in the Presbyterian Women's Group. Betty was predeceased by her husband, her parents, and brother, Albert Greene Abbott, Jr. She is survived by daughters Toni Carter Cullum of Little Rock, Cynthia Carter of Mountain Home, son Mitchel Carter (Laurie) of Oviedo, Florida. She is also survived by five adoring grandchildren Erin Cullum Marcussen (Jeff) of Little Rock, William Dyer of Fayetteville, Daniel Dyer of Memphis, Tennessee, Olivia Dyer of Fayetteville, Emmaline Carter of Oviedo, Florida, and great-granddaughter Cora Marcussen of Little Rock, and many beloved nieces and nephews. She is also survived by sisters Mildred White of Jacksonville, Alabama and Carlene Allen (Cleve) of Knoxville, Tennessee. There will be a Celebration of Life at Second Presbyterian Church on Tuesday December 20th at 1:00pm. Memorials may be made to Second Presbyterian Church or to American Parkinson Disease Association, 135 Parkinson Avenue, Staten Island, NY 10305. Arrangements are by Ruebel Funeral Home www.ruebelfuneralhome.com
As time went on, it became apparent that a small reminder that it was time for Bible Study would be helpful for her. So, every Monday at about ten minutes to six I would walk the few steps from the chapel to Betty's room and knock on here door.
Truthfully, I would frequently find her without her glasses on her face, wearing a housecoat and bare feet. There were a few instances when she was not feeling well, and thus had to decline. I would often take her hands in mine and briefly pray for her. She was so appreciative. I was appreciative of such an honor.
But usually, Betty would get herself dressed and come on down to Bible Study. This went on for months. I would knock on her door, tell her that it was time for Bible Study, she would then get ready and come on down.
One evening I came to her door as usual. The door opened and there stood Betty. She had her glasses on her face, she was impeccably dressed, shoes on her feet and cane in hand. And the following words on her lips:
"Behold! I am ready!"