Merna Kennedy Bethany, 92, of Stamps, Arkansas passed away Saturday, August 27, 2022, in Taylor, Arkansas. She was born August 31, 1929, around the Bradley, Arkansas area to J.P. and Kattie Kennedy. She was a wonderful cook who enjoyed sewing, making floral arrangements, she loved singing and going to blue grass festivals with her late husband, Ben Bethany, Jr.

She was preceded in death by her parents; her husband, Ben Bethany Jr; one daughter, Dana Duke; one brother, John Kennedy and one sister, Imogene Stewart.

She is survived by one daughter, Deborah Hendricks and husband, Jimmy of Bossier City, Louisiana; one son, Ken Bethany and girlfriend, Cynthia Pool of Taylor, Arkansas; three grandchildren, Don Nicholas of Dubberly, Louisiana, Chris Nicholas and wife, Terri of Cabot, Arkansas and Kimberly Raup and husband, Ryan of Conway, Arkansas; 7 great-grandchildren, 3 great-great grandchild, 1 niece and 4 nephews and a host of friends.

Funeral services will be held at 10:00A.M. on Tuesday, August 30, 2022 at Smith Funeral Home Chapel in Stamps with Ian Ouei officiating under the direction of A.O. Smith Funeral Home Inc. Interment will follow at Lakeside Cemetery in Stamps. Visitation will be held on Monday, August 29, 2022 at Smith Funeral Home Chapel from 5:00P.M. to 7:00P.M.