Betty Phifer

Betty Marie Phifer was born on September 11, 1953, to James Ivory and Geneva Williams White. She was the sixth of eight children. Betty’s parents instilled in their children a love for Jesus Christ at an early age.

She graduated from Peake High School in 1972. During her school years, she had a close-knit group of four girlfriends with whom she remained close throughout that time. Her classmates described her as sweet, smart, and loving.

Betty accepted Christ at an early age and was a lifelong member of Manchester Church of God in Christ. She enjoyed being active in the church and was always willing to help wherever she was needed. She had a true servant’s heart and loved the Lord deeply. Her loving spirit was evident in the way she treated others. Many times, her children would see her quietly slip away each evening to spend time reading her Bible. 

Shortly after entering her early thirties, Betty married and, through that union, became the proud mother of three daughters: Dominique, Jennifer, and Tawana, whom she affectionately called “her girls.” 

She loved cooking and baking and was especially known for her signature chocolate cake, which family and friends often requested for special occasions. In her free time, she enjoyed watching Westerns, Wheel of Fortune, soap operas, and working word search puzzles. One of the many ways she showed her love was by making it a priority to wake up at 4:30 every morning to comb “her girls'” hair before starting her day. 

Betty had a passion for caring for others and worked as a caregiver. She also discovered a love for cooking, which led to a nearly 20-year career at the Ouachita Baptist University cafeteria before retiring. There, she became well known for her delicious brick oven pizza, earning her station the nickname “Betty’s Pizza.”

She was preceded in death by her parents James Ivory and Geneva White; one sister, Annie Mae White; and three brothers, James (Lillie) White, Cornelius White, and Clemon White.

She leaves to cherish her memories to her three beautiful daughters: Dominique Phifer of Arkadelphia, Arkansas; Jennifer (Larry) Burnett of Mustang, Oklahoma; and Tawana (Kenny) Williams of Arkadelphia, Arkansas. She is also survived by one sister, Earnestine (Robert) Johnson; two brothers, Herman White and Derrick (Verkita) White, all of Arkadelphia, Arkansas; three beloved grandchildren, Kenslei and Kannon Williams of Arkadelphia, Arkansas, and Elisha Burnett of Mustang, Oklahoma; along with a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, and dear friends whom she loved dearly.

Visitation will be at Mitchell Funeral Home in Arkadelphia, Friday, July 24, 2026, from 12 noon to 7:00 P.M. Family and friends will gather at the funeral home between 5:00 P.M.- 6:00 P.M. Funeral services will be Saturday, July 25, 2026, at Greater Tate Temple Church of God in Christ in Arkadelphia at 4:00 P.M. Superintendent Leroy Williams is Pastor and officiant. Elder Kermit Edington, pastor of Manchestor Church of God in Christ in Arkadelphia, will serve as Eulogist. Burial and final resting place will be at Piney Grove Cemetery in Arkadelphia. The repast will be at Manchester Church of God in Christ in Arkadelphia.