Betty Louise Slaughter Jones, 80, of Fayetteville, AR, died Feb. 5, 2026 at Circle of Life Hospice House in Springdale, AR.
From her first breath to her last, Betty’s life was defined by the grace of God.
Betty was born September 12, 1945, in Hooks, TX, the daughter of James A. and Lois C. (Hopkins) Slaughter. At birth, weighing only a few pounds, doctors didn’t expect her to survive. Her grandmother tenderly cared for her, and a week later a doctor pronounced her survival a miracle.
At age 10, Betty was diagnosed with polio. After months in leg braces, she was miraculously healed when her grandfather prayed for her during an Oral Roberts crusade. With childlike faith, Betty insisted her braces be removed, tested her legs, then ran around the house.
Despite her intellectual disability, Betty determined to live a full life, pouring her pain into love for others. She became a nurse’s aide, serving faithfully before working as a home caregiver for nearly 25 years.
Betty met the love of her life, Buron, on a blind date on June 3, 1967. When he proposed, Betty agreed on two conditions: that he ask her mother’s permission, and that “I get to be the boss.” They married Nov. 18, 1967, and for 58 years, she held that position proudly. They had two children, Rosa Bell and Jonathan Lee.
Betty and Buron faced many challenges - miscarriage, poverty, health struggles, and in 2016, their son’s death. Through it all, they leaned on the Lord and each other. She made Christ Community Church her final church home. She delighted in providing food for people. Even as dementia ravaged her mind, her heart remained drawn to serve.
Betty was preceded in death by her parents, Lois Cox and James Slaughter; her stepfather James Cox; her brothers William “Butch” Slaughter and Jerry Slaughter; and her son Jonathan Jones. Betty is survived by her husband of 58 years, Carnis Buron Jones Jr.; her daughter Rosa Floyd (Michael), all of Fayetteville; and numerous extended family members and people who called her mom. The family wishes to extend deep appreciation to primary caregiver Teresa Meyer and the many other AR Choices caregivers who have returned the tender care to Betty that she gave to others earlier in life, as well as Circle of Life Hospice for helping ease the transition in these last difficult weeks.
Funeral services will be 10 a.m., Thursday, February 12, 2026 at Christ Community Church, Fayetteville, Arkansas, with the assistance of Moore’s Chapel, Dave Abney and Andrew Brill officiating. Following the service, a memorial reception will be held at 11:00 a.m. at the church.
