Funeral service for Betty Carol (Willingham) Kitchens, age 86, of Trinity, will be 12:00 p.m. on Saturday, July 11, 2026, at Parkway Funeral Home Chapel. The family will receive friends for one hour prior to service. Interment will be in Midway Memorial Gardens.
Mrs. Kitchens, who died Tuesday, July 7, 2026, at her residence, was born August 17, 1939, in Alabama to Charley Wilson Willingham and Margaret Louise Kent Willingham. She was preceded in death by her parents, and two sisters, Mary Nell Fisher (Bobby) and Rebecca Evelyn King (Billy). Betty was a loving wife, mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother who devoted her life to her family and Christ. She loved sewing, quilting, flowers, and the occasional spirited board games. Her strength and dedication were evident in the life she built on the farm with her devoted husband of 67 years. Always there to lend a hand, Betty helped build strong foundations in all aspects of her life. She worked in the church as her family grew, insuring they had deep roots of faith in our Lord, Jesus Christ. She helped build the beginnings of the East Lawrence Schools by volunteering and serving anywhere there was a need. She stressed education, opportunities, and choices. Betty loved to serve in the Caddo Community and worked the elections for many years. She was a familiar smiling face for all who came to vote. She leaves many friends in our small community and beyond better for having known her.
She is survived by her loving husband, Frank Dewayne Kitchens; son, Keith Dewayne Kitchens (Patti); daughter, Frankie Carol Tidmore (Nickie); brother, Charley Wilson Willingham, Jr. (Elizabeth); sister, Maxine Wallace (Don); four grandchildren, Kristi Renee Hamilton (Keith), Kevin Wayne Kitchens (Melissa), Jessie Louise Pollard (Danley Murner), and Charlie Elizabeth Pollard; and 10 great-grandchildren.
Pallbearers will be Peyton Hill, Konner Hill, H. Bryan Wallace, Nathan Willingham, Don Wallace, and Danley Murner. Honorary pallbearers will be Kevin Kitchens, Evan Kitchens, Chris Willingham, Keith Allen Hamilton, Nickie Tidmore, Brad Wallace, Greg Traynom, and Steve Bolyard
The family would like to express their special thanks to the Compassus Hospice team, especially Beth, Lily, Anna, Amanda, and Danielle for their loving and compassionate care..
