January 26, 1940 - June 10, 2023
On the evening of Saturday, June 10, 2023, Betty Geneace Rawlins Kingston slipped into the arms of our Lord at her home from the effects of dementia.
On January 26, 1940, Betty was born to Roy Calvin and Ida Mae Barham Rawlins in Prescott, AR. Betty enjoyed being an only child until her sister was born 8 years later. She completed classes at all of the Prescott schools, with graduation from Prescott High School in 1958. Betty made many school friends with her outgoing personality and was named FFA Sweetheart her senior year. All throughout her childhood and teenage years, Betty excelled at and loved playing piano for church and various school presentations.
In the summer of 1958 Betty moved to Little Rock, AR to get her adult life started. She first attended a secretarial school and then was employed by Travelers Insurance. During this time Betty met Duane Kingston who had just completed seven years in the Navy. Within a year, they were engaged and later married at Central Baptist Church in Prescott, AR in 1960. Duane and Betty established their home in Little Rock, as Duane was employed by Baldwin Electronics. Within the first year they were blessed with the first of three sons, Tony and within the next 4 years Barry and Ben joined the family.
Duane felt the Lord calling him into ministry. So, leaving electronics employment behind, Duane and family embarked on serving the Lord, as Duane pastored numerous Baptist Missionary Association churches in Arkansas and Tennessee. Betty was devoted to keeping the home steady and mothering three boys...while often employed outside the home as well. Betty's longest employment was with Twin City/Centennial Bank. At the time of her retirement, she had been working in the loan department for several years.
Describing Betty would be incomplete without remembering her talent and love for the piano and southern gospel quartets...with the Guardians being her favorite. At every church Duane pastored, Betty was honored to be the pianist for services. Betty and her sister, Bobbie, referred to themselves as Southern Gospel groupies and attended as many concerts as possible within driving distance of home.
In June 2002, Betty was heartbroken to lose her first born Tony, to a severe liver disease. In April 2007, her beloved Duane succumbed to heart-related issues. She now rejoices with them again. Betty is also predeceased by grandparents, Reverend Cris and Ola Barham.
Betty is survived by her daughter-in-law, Vickie Kingston (Tony's widow); son, Barry Kingston (Tammy) and son, Ben Kingston (Dawn); grandchildren, Brian Kingston (Erin), Alicia Kingston, Christopher Kingston, Alex Kingston (Karie), Anna Kingston, Molly Kingston, Benjamin Kingston (fiance, Emma Anderson) and Tony Kingston; great-grandchildren, Mataya Weck (Vinny), Victoria Kingston, Nanette Kingston, Zebediah Kingston and William Kingston; additional survivors are sister, Bobbie Rawlins; sister-in-law, Dianna Campbell and first cousins, Mary Nell Loyed, Hazel Langston, Judy Jones, Lisa Zirkle and Harvey Barham.
Funeral service will be at 12 noon, Friday, June 16, 2023 at Oak Park Baptist Church. Visitation begins 11:00 A.M. at the church. Burial will follow at Forest Hills Memorial Park in Alexander, AR.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Central Baptist College Music Department, 1501 College Avenue, Conway, AR 72034
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12 Condolence(s)
Dave Rawlins
Friday, June 23, 2023
May she rest in eternal peace…
Carolyn Wright
Wednesday, June 21, 2023
So sorry for this loss but can she be reunited with those she loved so much ! We were friends at TCB BANK we have many memories we all made together ! Her family her precious mother and her church ! Peace be with you allðŸ™ðŸ»ðŸ™ðŸ»ðŸ™ðŸ»
Melba Southard
Friday, June 16, 2023
Duane was our pastor in the late 70s.
We became friends with the family and kept in touch for years after we moved from Memphis. Then we lost track of each other in the early 90s
I was able to reconnect with Betty after years of losing track of each other. We did a couple of fun road trips together.
She was a wonderful friend and prayer warrior. She will be greatly missed
Melba
Linda Allder Thompson
Thursday, June 15, 2023
Bobbie. and family
My thoughts and prayers are with you as you go through this difficult time. It's wonderful to know that our loved ones are safe and happy with the Lord but our human side is hurting.
Rest in His peace and know you have many people praying for you.
Linda Thompson
Brenda Lewellen
Wednesday, June 14, 2023
I am so sorry to hear of Betty’s passing. I remember her accompanying Bobbie so many times. They were a wonderfully talented pair who loved the Lord.
Paul Rice
Wednesday, June 14, 2023
Betty and Duane were true servants of our Lord Jesus and their lives together and separately advanced the Kingdom of God everywhere they served him. She will be missed but not forgotten.
Jerry and Myrle Swope
Wednesday, June 14, 2023
Our thoughts and prayers are with all of Betty’s family. To know Betty was to love her. You knew she loved her Lord and her family! Praying for a double measure of God’s grace and comfort as you lay her to rest.
Mike and Linda Cantrell
Wednesday, June 14, 2023
Linda and I send our love to and our prayers up for Sis. Betty’s family. We rejoice for her home going , yet knowing the feeling of loss we lift up her family. Sis. Betty was a wonderful person. She now is with her Lord and her heavenly family. For that give thanks to our Savior Jesus Christ who made it possible.
Debbie Peck
Tuesday, June 13, 2023
So sad to hear of Betty's passing. Our love and prayers to all the family. What a privilege and blessing to sing and serve with Betty. So many great memories of practices filled with love and laughter. Her distinctive piano style was a joy to experience. She will truly be missed. I can almost see her playing piano for a heavenly choir this morning, or maybe a quartet!
Debbie Peck
Tuesday, June 13, 2023
So sad to hear of Betty's passing. Our love and prayers to all the family. What a privilege and blessing to sing and serve with Betty. So many great memories of practices filled with love and laughter. Her distinctive piano style was a joy to experience. She will truly be missed. I can almost see her playing piano for a heavenly choir this morning, or maybe a quartet!
Brenda West
Monday, June 12, 2023
I was sad to hear of Betty’s death. I new she had been sick for a long time. She is with Duane, the love her life and Tony, her son we all prayed for him during his illness. Betty and I worked together for a long time at TCB most of the time side by side. She loved the Lord and her family.
Brenda
bea rowden
Monday, June 12, 2023
I am so sorry to hear of your loss and a friend of mine for along time. My heart goes out to all the family . You are in my prayers. Now she is rejoicing With Duane and Tony! Love Bea