Bettye Cook Bransford

August 10, 1934 –February 11, 2017 Arlington, Texas With hand extended, Lee Walt was patiently waiting at the pearly gates for his beautiful bride, Mrs. Bettye Cook Bransford, to arrive on February 11th. If you listened closely, you could hear Lee in his unmistakable baritone voice whisper as Bettye approached, “What took you so long, woman?” We lost Bettye, Bettye Lou, Nana, “Baby”- as affectionately called by Lee, and our dear and beautiful Mother. Despite knowing this day would come, you are never quite prepared to say your goodbyes or to be separated from those we love the most and hold so dear. Born in Wynne, Arkansas, Bettye was a Chi Omega and 1956 graduate of the University of Arkansas. She was a trail blazer for her children and family, many whom ultimately decided to follow in her footsteps, and affectionately call UA their home over the next half century. Both daughters, Holly and Tracy, followed Bettye to the Ozarks, and became Chi Omega sisters, ultimately etching their own names in the Fayetteville concrete next to Mom. Bettye was a devoted wife, mother, grandmother, daughter, sister and friend who served as a role model and lived with such purpose, vision and grace. Her adoring family was waiting with open heavenly arms at 11:57 am Saturday, February 11th. Preceded in death by her parents, William Ralph Cook, Sr. and Florence Lancaster Cook, brothers George Lancaster Cook and William Ralph Cook, Jr. and her adoring husband, Lee Walt Bransford. Surviving are her two daughters, Holly Robertson (Gavin) and Tracy Nobles (Ben) and her 4 grandchildren (or her sweet angels, whom she simply adored), Grace Torres (Alec), Caitlin Taylor (Ryan), Zach Nobles and Olivia Nobles. Bettye, a devoted woman of faith, was a member of Pulaski Heights United Methodist Church in Little Rock, Arkansas for 60 years. She and Lee shared their vows before God in a beautiful wedding ceremony together on October 16, 1976. Every Sunday, her 4823 Woodlawn home was the foundation for her deep faith and Christ-centered values she instilled with her own family. God must have needed a Rock of Gibraltar this past weekend - hence Bettye was called home. She was such a source of strength, stability and support and was the backbone for the family. And by the way, God received a “very well put together” Rock of Gibraltar. Anyone who knows Bettye will remember she always looked the part and was picture ready. Whether in the kitchen serving waffles or heading out with the family for dinner, you could always count on Bettye to look magazine-worthy. Bettye enjoyed traveling and seeing the world with her friends and family. While traveling with Lee, she visited many remarkable places that only God could inspire like the Pyramids, Stonehenge or St. Paul's Cathedral in London. While London, Edinburgh and the UK were her personal favorites, so many great memories and stories were shared from the road and her trips outside the States. And, of course, Razorback football will never be the same! Her passion and love for “Calling the Hogs” was unmatched. The stories about the “Razorback bus” and the trips to Texas for the old Southwest Conference games were simply glorious- the family could not get enough of them! And the deep disdain and dislike for the Longhorns of Texas still remained till her very last breath. Woooooooooo, Pig! Sooie! Woooooooooo, Pig! Sooie! Woooooooooo, Pig! Sooie! Razorbacks! A special thank you to her angels on earth! The family is eternally grateful for the enduring love and support provided by Lorean Lewis, Lynda Gadama, Angella Horton and Sonjeline Nkonga. God has a special place in heaven for each of you and in our hearts forever. Bettye was simply the most kind, loving, compassionate person you would ever meet. She was the best Mom ever! There is just something about a Mother's love – a Mom's look, her simple embrace, her smile and her gentle touch! We believe the quote that says God could not be everywhere so He created Moms, and in this case, He created Bettye Cook Bransford. Mom- your legacy is alive! And your love resides in all of your children – so until the next time we meet. Love you, more! A Memorial Service will be held in Bettye's honor at Pulaski Heights United Methodist Church, 4823 Woodlawn Road, Little Rock at 11:00 am on February 24th with a reception immediately following at the church. Cremation arrangements are under the direction of Wade Family Funeral Home, Arlington, TX. (https://wadefamilyfuneralhome.com/book-of-memories/2842589/Bransford-Bettye-Cook/service-details.php) In lieu of flowers, please make all donations to one of the following in honor of Bettye Cook Bransford: Pulaski Heights United Methodist Church, Potluck Food Rescue in Little Rock or the ASPCA (American Society for the Prevention and Cruelty to Animals). Wade Family Funeral Home 817-274-9233