Betty Fern Heard Hoosier, 93, of Alexandria, died on Tuesday, Jan. 30, 2024. She was born Sept. 20, 1930, in DeQuincy, to Allen Levi Heard and Annie Mae Lyles Heard. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband of 44 years, Lesley D. Hoosier, and son Lesley Bryan Hoosier, daughters-in-law Denise Hoosier and Kathy Hoosier; granddaughter Kim Hoosier; five brothers and two sisters.
She is survived by her sons, Marion Allen Hoosier (Donna Surles) of McCaskill, Ark.; Stephen Mark Hoosier (Cheryl) of Alexandria; Timothy Craig Hoosier (Debra) of Birmingham, Ala; 10 grandchildren; 15 great-grandchildren; four great-great-grandchildren; sister Mary Poole, and sister-in-law Carol Ann Langley Heard; two first cousins, Lil Poole and Earl Stark; and a whole host of nieces and nephews to cherish her memory.
Betty Fern was a devoted wife, mother, grandmother, and friend. She worked tirelessly with her husband for 25 years in the Kirby business in Alexandria. After his death, she worked with her son, Mark, for 10 years in the same business. Betty Fern has always been an active member of the local church in DeQuincy and in Alexandria/Pineville. Her love for her family and friends found its roots in her love for Jesus Christ. She was passionate about serving the church and teaching the Bible throughout her life.
She will also be remembered for being a prayer warrior because of her faithful intercession for her family, friends, caregivers, and many people she had never met. She was intentional in her efforts to point others to Jesus, encouraging all to place their faith and trust in the same Lord that she trusted from a young age. Please take a moment to read Psalm 16, one of mom’s favorite passages in the Holy Bible.
Pallbearers will be Joe Hoosier, Bradley Hoosier, Jason Hoosier, James “Pee Wee” Hoosier, Duane Heard and Noah Teal.
The family will receive friends from 9 a.m. until time of the funeral service beginning at 11 a.m. Thursday, Feb. 1, at Riley Smith & Sons Funeral Home in DeQuincy. Interment to follow at Perkins Cemetery in DeQuincy.
Arrangements are being handled by Riley Smith & Sons Funeral Home, 1810 W. Fourth St., DeQuincy.
(Paid Memorial)
