Betty Joe Conner

Betty Joe Conner, affectionately known as "Ms. Betty," passed away on February 12, 2025, in Little Rock, Arkansas, surrounded by her loving family. She was born on February 9, 1949, in Mayflower, Arkansas, to the late Josie Brown and Booker Hoskins. 

Betty attended and graduated from the public schools of Biscoe before relocating to Little Rock, where she pursued her passion for hairstyling. She attended cosmetology school and later founded Betty's Beauty Bazaar and Barber Express. As a professional beautician, she dedicated her life to her craft and was an active member of various professional beauty organizations. Her generosity extended beyond her salon—she was a pioneer in offering free back-to-school haircuts and hairstyles for children, collaborating with fellow beauty professionals to provide not only hair services but also school supplies, uniforms and food for students in need. 

She was preceded in death by her parents and siblings Helen Minor, Jerlene Harrell, Ruby Cook, Rosalie Senior, Dorothy Proctor, Craig Horton, Carl Hoskins, and Sylvester Hoskins.

Betty is survived by her two sons, James Conner of North Little Rock, Arkansas and David Conner of Little Rock, Arkansas. She also leaves behind her beloved grandchildren: Autumn Conner, Davonni Conner, David (DJ) Conner, Kierra Hellums, James Conner Jr., Taylor Conner, Trinity Conner, Tymiya Conner, Shantelle Conner, and Quintiana Conner; as well as great-grandchildren Alaiya Holmes and Avyn McFadden. She is also survived by her siblings Juanita Dixon of Toledo, Ohio; Josie Bonds; Donald Brown; Joseph (Marilyn) Brown of Little Rock; Steve (Darlene) Cohen of Devalls Bluff; Joyce Brown of Jacksonville; Wilbert Hoskins of Atlanta; and Minnie Isaac of Kansas City. She leaves behind a large loving body of family and friends who were dear to her heart. 

Betty Joe Conner’s legacy of generosity and dedication will be remembered by all who knew her. May her memory bring comfort to those she touched.

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